The Grizzlies are clearly turning the page, and Taylor Hendricks feels like one of the first real “tell me what you are” bets of this next phase.

Nobody’s confusing him with Jaren Jackson Jr., and they shouldn’t. That bar is unrealistic. But the archetype overlap is real: size, mobility, positional defense, and enough shooting to stay playable if things break right.

The offense is still rough. If the jumper isn’t falling, Hendricks doesn’t give you much creation. That showed up immediately in Memphis. At the same time, the career numbers matter more than a three-game sample, and 35.5% from three is something you can live with when the defense is doing work.

What stands out is opportunity. Hendricks is 22, a former ninth overall pick, and now on a team that’s clearly prioritizing the future with thin frontcourt depth. That’s a real runway — something he never consistently had in Utah.

The BPM isn’t flattering. The block rate could be better. He hasn’t impacted winning yet. All of that is fair.

But players like this don’t usually pop right away. They either grow into useful rotation pieces or fade quietly. Memphis is giving Hendricks the minutes to find out which one he is.

Not a cornerstone. Not a savior.

But he looks like someone who could stick — and for a rebuild, that matters.

What do you think: long-term starter, rotation guy, or just another stop along the way?