As the NBA Draft approaches, anticipation builds around the potential destinations for Taylor Hendricks, a promising 6’9″ forward from UCF. With mock drafts consistently placing him in the vicinity of the Utah Jazz’s 9th pick, it seems likely that he could find himself donning a Jazz jersey.
Size is not an issue for Hendricks, who possesses outstanding skills such as being both a reliable 3-point shooter and a strong defensive player, and he checks all of the boxes to be an ideal candidate for excelling in the coveted 3-and-D role within professional basketball.
Taylor Hendricks NBA Draft Profile:
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 210 pounds
Birthdate: November 22, 2003
Position: Power Forward/Small Forward
Offensive Role: Spacer, play finisher
Defensive Role: Switchable wing/big
Projected Draft Range: 5–14
With an impressive average score of 15.1 points and nearly 7 rebounds secured in each match by Hendricks, he demonstrated considerable potential during his sole season on the college court. His stellar performance earned him recognition on the 2022–23 All-AAC and AAC All-Freshman teams while leading the Knights to a 19–15 record.
Has us taking Taylor Hendricks at #12
Gotta say, I’m not mad at the pick considering who was already gone
What y’all think? 👀 https://t.co/RxlWL23uHC pic.twitter.com/TQQUAXp7DC
— ThunderChets (@ThunderChats) February 17, 2023
With his knockdown shooting ability and aggressive defensive prowess, Hendricks is a 3D player in the 2023 draft class. He brings plug-and-play potential to the centerpiece of UCF’s strategy on both ends of the court. His versatility to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively with efficiency makes him an attractive prospect.
Strengths and weaknesses: Evaluating Taylor Hendricks’ Game
As the NBA Draft approaches, expect Hendricks’ stock to continue its upward trajectory. While he may not possess the offensive ceiling of some lottery picks, his elite defense can have a transformative impact on a team’s overall scheme, elevating their defensive prowess to new heights.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Hendricks’ shooting prowess is a standout attribute. During the course of the season, he played mainly as a catch-and-shoot threat and was able to hit exactly 61 of 155 3-point shots.
Notable achievements include landing four out of five shots from beyond the arc for 21 points against Samford and creating a perfect exhibition by shooting 3-out-of-3 from deep against Tarleton State, contributing to his 16-point outing.
Hendricks’ disruptive presence extends to the perimeter, as his length allows him to alter opposing three-point attempts and deter shots near the rim. This versatility as a defensive stopper enhances his value within half-court defensive sets.
Weaknesses:
Despite his athleticism and shooting prowess, concerns arise regarding Hendricks’s relatively slender 210-pound frame. To compete against physically imposing opponents in the NBA, he will need to dedicate time to building strength and avoiding being overpowered in the paint. Relying solely on his vertical leap may not suffice in a league filled with formidable defenders.
I will be declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft❤️‼️ pic.twitter.com/YcF9lADoOo
— Taylor Hendricks (@tayxhendricks) March 22, 2023
Another area for improvement lies in Hendricks’s ability to create his own shot. Currently, he occasionally struggles with shot-blocking opponents and misses close-range opportunities. Developing a more diverse offensive arsenal will enable him to thrive alongside other rookies in the NBA.
NBA Player Comparison:
Hendricks draws comparisons to Jerami Grant, another dynamic 6’9″ wing known for his perimeter scoring and defensive prowess. Much like Grant, Hendricks exhibits strong finishing abilities around the rim, utilizing his leaping ability to rise for dunks and evade shot blockers.
All Glory to God! Lived by this my whole life https://t.co/la4eTnMiFI
— Taylor Hendricks (@tayxhendricks) February 28, 2023
Hendricks is projected to be selected within the top ten or as a lottery pick, signifying the high regard in which teams hold his talents.
Taylor Hendricks’s NBA draft projection generates excitement among basketball enthusiasts, as his combination of sharpshooting and defensive prowess makes him a highly sought-after prospect. As the NBA Draft unfolds, it will be fascinating to see which team ultimately selects Hendricks.