The Central Florida forward scored 39.1% of his goals from 3-point territory last season.
Taylor Hendricks arrives prior to the NBA basketball draft on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the Barclays Center in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
| Jun 23, 2023 1:02 am
| Updated: 4:15 p.m
The Utah Jazz said they had nine players under consideration for the No. 9 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, suggesting they’re willing to maybe stay there and pick whoever comes to them.
They did just that, staying at No. 9 and picking their No. 9-seeded contender, Central Florida forward Taylor Hendricks.
Hendricks was one of the biggest movers in the pre-draft process after a stellar season as a freshman with the Knights.
“I mean, it’s crazy,” Hendricks said in a Zoom interview with Utah media. “A year ago I didn’t even think about going to the NBA. I just focused on the college season trying to get better and secure my place on the team. Coming here in a year is a blessing.”
He’s a 1.80m, 100kg forward who is a great multi-position defender, shooting 39.4% from 3-point range on 4.6 attempts per game.
He averaged 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.
He added that it wasn’t until about midway through the season — when people started reaching out to him on social media suggesting NBA teams they’d like to see him on — that he began to believe sooner rather than later change league.
Hendricks is now seen as the team’s successor as Kelly Olynyk’s power forward, along with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler as a formidable forward of the future.
“I feel like I fit in perfectly,” he said. “Walker Kessler is a great shot blocker, Lauri Markkanen is a great shooter, they’re both tall and have length – and I have length and I can block shots.” I feel like we can be a really good defensive team.”
He is considered an excellent athlete with great vertical jump. He was a constant lob threat for UCF when rolling to the edge. This made him an excellent shot blocker as a helper on the weak side since he’s not really a true edge protector.
Due to his versatility on the defensive end, Hendricks consistently demonstrated an ability to switch between ones and fours at the collegiate level. He played a few small ball five games in high school and college, although it will probably take a lot of effort to have a chance in the NBA.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz fans cheer at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City as the Jazz picked Taylor Hendricks with the ninth pick in the NBA basketball draft on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
“I’m just really excited about these metrics and the additional position size,” General Manager Justin Zanik said after the first round.
On offense, Hendricks has mastered pick-and-roll games as a target — not so much as an initiator. His ability to ground the ball for more than straight shots to the basket still needs improvement, as does his ability to play for his teammates considering he averaged just 1.4 assists per game .
However, Hendricks will immediately endear himself to jazz fans with his penchant for frantic plays – jumping around the field for loose balls, taking attacks and challenging opponents on the sidelines.
Apparently he also made himself popular with the decision-makers of jazz during the preliminary design process. He confirmed that while he didn’t train with the team, he visited for an in-person interview and said he felt his discussions with CEO Danny Ainge, owner Ryan Smith and coach Will Hardy went very well.
In doing so, he became the first Central Florida player ever to be selected in the lottery.
The Jazz chose Baylor guard Keyonte George as their No. 16 overall pick. Ohio State University winger Brice Sensabaugh followed in 28th place.
Sensabaugh noted that he has known Hendricks for years and is good friends with him, although Hendricks’ “strong” Calvary Christian team defeated his own Lake Highland Prep in a high school championship game in Florida.
He said jazz got a great player and an even better person.
“Super, super cool guy, he’s fun to be around and lights up the room,” Sensabaugh said. “And he’s super selfless — he never puts himself first.”