Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy comments on Keyonte George

Dallas • In the moments after Taylor Hendricks' leg was broken, it was immediately clear what he meant to the Utah Jazz.

All across the bench, players and coaches alike had their heads in their hands. Some covered their eyes, afraid to confirm what they had seen live. Jazz head coach Will Hardy buried his face in his shirt and then gritted his teeth.

Keyonte George wore a towel over his head and cried underneath it.

Since Hendricks was selected by the organization 17 months ago, the 20-year-old had integrated himself into the team structure. While he was known as a quiet, shy youth, he had begun to open himself up to jazz off the field and develop relationships with those with whom he spent his days.

And his injury — a broken fibula and a sprained ankle that caused him to suddenly fall to the ground Monday — rocked the team.

“It just put me in an emotional state,” George said. “It’s just my brother. I didn't know him growing up, and then as I developed a relationship with him over the year, he felt like family. I told him I loved him, that I was there for him no matter what he needed.”

Hendricks also began to mean a lot to the Jazz on the court. As a rookie, he started the season at the G League level, his skills too raw to make a difference in the NBA. But as time went on, Hendricks began to change: His body got bigger, his face got older, his shot started falling and he started making stops.

By the start of his second season, Hendricks had moved into the Jazz's starting lineup as the team's defensive ace. He began the season as a guard for Ja Morant and then lined up against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in the first half of Monday's contest. His teammates were impressed by the drive he brought to his underused role.

“You talk about giving to the team — he was willing to give up his entire offensive game to stop the guy we wanted to stop every night and buy the shots the team wanted,” George said.

The Jazz will miss those contributions, although there are several candidates who could replace Hendricks' minutes in the starting lineup. One possibility is to bring John Collins back into the starting lineup, as well as one of two rookies – Cody Williams or Kyle Filipowski. However, neither would have the skills that Hendricks brings.

“He brings a lot to the table. His jump shot is better, it helps us keep our distance. “He’s a great defender and brings his length to the floor,” Jazz star Lauri Markkanen said. “We will miss him very much.”

Hendricks was able to fly home with the Jazz on Monday night, easing fears that he might have to stay in Dallas overnight to treat the injury.

“Everyone on our team and really in our organization that travels with us just walked through that room to see him,” Hardy said after the game.

There were hugs, kisses and words of support.

Hendricks was then carted to the Jazz team bus, wearing a walking boot and crutches, which he needed for moments when he needed to move upright. A lengthy recovery process is certain. There is no initial word on his schedule, but it is possible he could miss the entire season due to his broken fibula and dislocated ankle.

“It's hard to bear. He's done a lot of hard work, he's a great kid. So we're really just focused on him, his health and keeping his spirits up as he begins the road to recovery,” Hardy said. “It's heartbreaking for Taylor because of the kid he is, the work he's put in and how he's approached this early part of his career.”

“T is a really good guy,” center Walker Kessler said. “The biggest thing is just being there for him physically and checking on him. At the moment he just needs the support of many people.”

But perhaps it was Hardy who best summed up the evening's emotions.

“Those are the moments in sports that suck,” he said.