Jazz take Taylor Hendricks with No. 9 pick
With the No. 9 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz took Central Florida forward Taylor Hendricks.
In a wing-focused league, Hendricks might be one of the more intriguing prospects in the NBA draft. The 19-year-old flashed immense potential as a multi-positional defender in his single season at UCF, averaging 1.7 blocks per game while containing smaller guards on the perimeter.
His defense, paired with his shooting ability, explosive athleticism, and screening in pick-and-roll action, should make Hendricks an immediate rotation player in the Association.
Bio
Position: Forward
School: UCF
College experience: Freshman
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 214 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-1
Max vertical: 36 inches
2022-23 stats with UCF
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 47.8 | 39.4 | 78.2 | 7.0 | 1.4 | 15.1 |
Strengths
- Defense will be his calling card. Uses his size and athleticism to rotate from the corner as a help defender. Can also offer rim protection in transition with his timing and activity.
- Good spot-up shooter, especially from the corners. Can shoot over most players due to his height and length.
- Versatile defender who can guard both bigger forwards and guards due to combination of lateral quickness and patience.
- Growing sense of how to attack the basket from the dunker spot and through cuts. More pick-and-roll reps will lead to good results in the paint.
Weaknesses
- Not a self-creator. Will need playmakers to create shots for him when he enters the NBA.
- Needs to improve his touch around the rim on layups and easy shots in the paint.
- Went 8-10 in conference play with UCF while only playing ranked opponents six times. Eliminated early in the AAC and NIT tournaments.
NBA comparison: Jerami Grant. A showcase for forward development, Grant broke out in his fifth NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder after previously showing inconsistent touch from deep. He took another step with the Detroit Pistons, averaging a career-high 22.3 points per game in the 2020-21 season. A more ready-made prospect, Hendricks should follow Grant's career path for a fruitful NBA career.