TITLE: Kessler Explains Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery; Hendricks Heads to G League, Hyland Joins Wolves’ Rotation, Nuggets Still Shorthanded
SLUG: kessler-surgery-hendricks-g-league-hyland-rotation-nuggets-injuries
CONTENT:
Salt Lake City, UT — Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler said his season-ending procedure on his left shoulder addressed a posterior labrum tear first suffered during his college tenure at Auburn.
“I think it happened in the Tennessee game,” Kessler told reporters. “I tried to strengthen it, but the doctor said there’s no amount of strength that will stop it from slipping out.” The 7-footer appeared in just five games this season before electing surgery. Kessler added that repeated subluxations posed a threat to the rotator cuff and anterior labrum, making the operation necessary.
Hendricks Logging Minutes in G League
Forward Taylor Hendricks, limited last year by a serious leg injury, is bouncing between the Jazz and their G League affiliate. Head coach Will Hardy called the assignment crucial, saying the 2023 lottery pick “needs as many repetitions as he can get” to regain instinctive decision-making. Hendricks has played 13 NBA games this season.
Hyland Overtakes Dillingham in Minnesota
In Minneapolis, guard Bones Hyland has moved ahead of rookie Rob Dillingham in the Timberwolves’ backcourt rotation. “We’re 24 games in, and I thought it was time to try something different,” head coach Chris Finch said. Hyland, who re-signed on a one-year deal over the summer, delivered 14 points and three assists in 16 minutes during Monday’s win over Phoenix.
Nuggets Injuries Linger
Denver Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman does not expect Christian Braun (ankle) or Aaron Gordon (hamstring) to play before Christmas. Rookie Julian Strawther (back) is closer to returning after participating in half-court three-on-three work Tuesday, Adelman noted.
Source: Hoops Rumors
