Everyone knows the NBA is a grind mentally and physically. But what differentiates the good from the best is their work in the offseason. The amount of time you put in when the cameras aren’t on and when nobody is watching. That’s what shows the true hunger for greatness. It’s one thing to make it to the league, but it’s a whole different battle to stay. For this young Utah Jazz team, it looks like they all want to stay because man have they been putting in work this offseason.

Body Builder Hendricks

Taylor Hendricks should be on everyone’s bingo card for a breakout season. After a rough rookie year heavily due to injury, this man has been busy. The former 9th overall pick has been destroying the gym during the offseason, and according to Coach Hardy gained around 20 pounds. During his media availability, Hendricks spoke about how much he focused on his body and how he needed it for the plans Will and the coaching staff have for him this season. He explained how he feels stronger but doesn’t feel like he ever lost any of his speed. Towards the end of last season, we were able to see glimpses of what Hendricks could become. So this season I will be extremely curious about how he uses this added size and strength to his advantage as well as what his role will be this upcoming season.

Lean Clean Sensabaugh

Brice Sensabaugh is another name to get excited for this season. In his media availability, he spoke a lot about how he’s been getting into the weight room and getting more into shape to be able to play a whole NBA season. He spoke about the improvements in his upper and lower body and losing some extra fat that got him more in shape. As a player who wasn’t afraid to drive into the paint last season, it’ll be interesting to watch what he does differently and how he implements the strength and explosiveness he’s gained. Brice also spoke about his improved playmaking ability and how his defense has improved. He talked about how he got faster and became more able to hold his ground on defense.

The great thing about having such a young team is that they’re hungry. They want to win and they know that if they want to become great in this league having a conditioned and healthy body should be very high on the list. From what we have seen in the past few seasons everyone has been motivated and nobody has been shying away from the grind. We saw it with Lauri, Walker, and Cody Williams made a big jump this offseason. It’s a long and painful season but this team looks built and ready.