Hendricks' disruptive 7-foot-2 wingspan fuels Grizzlies' fast breaks, sparking a defensive surge and injecting new energy into their struggling lineup.
As the Memphis Grizzlies navigate a challenging stretch marked by injuries and roster adjustments, forward Taylor Hendricks continues to establish himself as a key defensive contributor and emerging building block for the organization.
Following Monday’s 123–114 loss to Sacramento, head coach Tuomas Iisalo pointed to Hendricks’ impact on the defensive end as a significant positive amid broader team struggles. Hendricks finished with 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, added a steal and a block in 25 minutes despite the defeat.
“Taylor’s been very, very disruptive defensively,” Iisalo said. “With a 7-foot-2 wingspan, he’s used that to his advantage and the team’s advantage to create deflections and steals. Our numbers have picked up tremendously with him, with Maack, with Scotty coming back. That’s generally been one of the things that has triggered our fast breaks.”
Hendricks, a 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward, is in his second NBA season and recently joined Memphis during the 2025-26 campaign. Originally selected ninth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, he made his NBA debut on Oct. 25, 2023, and brings two years of professional experience to the Grizzlies’ young rotation.
In 40 appearances this season between Utah and Memphis, Hendricks has averaged 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game while shooting 43.5% from the field and 34.0% from three-point range. Since arriving in Memphis, his role has expanded. In seven games with the Grizzlies, he is averaging 8.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in 23.0 minutes per contest.
His recent performances reflect increased confidence and opportunity. Over his last five games, Hendricks has posted three double-digit scoring efforts, including 12 points against Sacramento on Feb. 23. During that span, he has demonstrated the defensive versatility that Iisalo highlighted, contributing deflections, active help defense, and transition triggers that have supported Memphis’ pace.
Iisalo also emphasized Hendricks’ broader influence on team dynamics.
“Taylor’s been good in those situations,” Iisalo said. “He’s been a very positive influence on the whole team. His versatility with his size and skill set helps us on both ends.”
At 22 years old, Hendricks combines length and mobility that allow him to guard multiple positions, switch onto perimeter players, and contest shots without compromising spacing. His 7-foot-2 wingspan has been particularly impactful in passing lanes, helping generate steals and initiate fast-break opportunities — a valuable asset for a roster currently adjusting to the absence of a traditional interior presence due to injuries.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Hendricks played collegiately at Central Florida before entering the NBA. Through 83 career games, he holds averages of 6.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 19.1 minutes per game, shooting 43.5% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc.
As the Grizzlies continue to evaluate and develop their young core, Hendricks’ defensive growth and expanding role remain a notable point of progress. Memphis returns to action Wednesday against Golden State.