Jazz counting on Hendricks and George to take big strides

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – With its commitment to a youth movement, the Utah Jazz are counting on Keyonte George and Taylor Hendricks to both take big strides in their second seasons this year.

After playing in 75 games as a rookie, George wore down a bit at the end of the year. He’s not going to let that happen this season.

“I think Will [Hardy] texst me every six days telling me to get in shape,” George said with a smile. “He sees me come in here and run. The message was loud and clear, and this summer I definitely took it upon myself to really listen to that message and apply it to my game.”

George made NBA all-rookie second team last year, averaging 13.0 points and 4.4 assists per game. This year, the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft will be asked to take on even more, including a leadership responsibility.

“My whole thing for the summer was take that jump for the older guys,” George said. “I don’t want to go through what we went through last year. I had up and downs, and I’m trying to stay levelheaded. [The veterans] also helped me step into almost a leadership role, using my voice more, being comfortable sharing my thoughts.”

George had never played point guard before last season. Now he feels much more comfortable at the position.

“Obviously last year, going into the point guard role for the first year, it was definitely a different adjustment, George said. “But I think now I’ve definitely accepted that role. The game has definitely slowed down for me a lot. So now it’s time to really play with the big dogs.”

Last year, Taylor Hendricks didn’t become a part of the Jazz regular rotation until February, playing mostly with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G-League to bein his professional career. So in his first 40 NBA games, he felt like a rookie.

“Having those minutes at the end of the season was very important,” said Hendricks, who averaged 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. “Th number one thing is just confidence. I feel way more confident heading into year two. Just having that year of experience under my belt, knowing what to expect.”

Hendricks has gotten bigger and stronger this summer, putting on 17 pounds so he can handle the physical grind of the season.

“That was an emphasis for me heading in year two,” Hendricks said. “I really want to work on my body just because of the role I’m going to be playing. I don’t feel like I’m any slower, but like I definitely do feel stronger.”

And the Jazz will be stronger if these two rising stars can continue to develop.

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