What Summer Struggles Mean for Ex-UCF F Taylor Hendricks

Taylor Hendricks is a Summer League veteran heading into his fourth year in the NBA, but shockingly struggled to look like one of the best players on the floor.

It's rare to see third- or fourth-year players play in the summer, but Hendricks is a special case. His sophomore season came to an abrupt end after fracturing his fibula and dislocating his right ankle three games into the 2024-25 season.

After rehabbing, Hendricks suited up for his third year with the Utah Jazz, but his standing within the organization changed. Utah drafted Rutgers forward Ace Bailey with the fifth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and prioritized his development over its 2023 first-round pick.

The former UCF Knight found a new home with the Memphis Grizzlies after Utah surprised the NBA by trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. Hendricks saw a resurgence in Memphis, averaging 10.6 points in 26 games and slowly returning to the promising rookie that was a coveted 3-and-D wing in 2023.

Playing in his second Summer League next to the third overall pick, Cam Boozer, Hendricks was one of the most experienced players on the roster. He opened the Salt Lake City Classic with a 15-point outing and finished with a +28.

He had that impressive performance in 12 minutes, and that's the expectation for a fourth-year player who's averaged 20 minutes in two of his three seasons. However, his opener proved to be his best outing of the event, as he struggled to find that same rhythm over the next five games.

Throughout the next several games, Hendricks failed to eclipse his Summer League high and was inefficient. After opening with 15 points, Hendricks shot under 34% in each of his next five games, including 3-for-14 against the Atlanta Hawks and 2-for-7 against the Houston Rockets.

Shooting 28% in five of his six appearances is concerning. Hendricks is a seasoned pro, even though he missed a year due to injury.

A poor Summer League performance could jeopardize his future with the Grizzlies. Boozer, Cedric Coward -- who also played in Summer League -- and Jaylen Wells occupy the same position as Hendricks.

Just like his time in Utah, Memphis will prioritize Boozer's development. Coward has shown improvement this summer, and Wells is a solid shooter (35.3% from three) and a versatile defender.

If those struggles carry into training camp, Hendricks could face increased competition for minutes in Memphis.

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