2023 NBA Draft Prospect Highlights: Taylor Hendricks
Overview
Taylor Hendricks spent his freshman season at UCF, where he was named to the AAC All-Freshman team, as well as Second Team All-AAC. A four-star recruit who arrived at UCF as the highest-ranked player in school history, Hendricks averaged 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.7 blocks per game in 34 games as a freshman. He shot 47.8% from the field and 39.4% on 3-pointers (4.6 attempts per game). In his collegiate debut against UNC Asheville on Nov. 7, Hendricks went for 23 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks in 39 minutes. In a win over Tulsa on Feb. 26, Hendricks posted a season-high 25 points to go with eight rebounds, two blocks, a steal and three three-pointers.
Analysis
At 6-foot-9, Hendricks fits the mold of a modern NBA power forward who can also slide up and play center. His ability to both defend the rim and space the floor makes him a unique prospect and arguably the top power forward in the 2023 NBA Draft class. An excellent athlete with great length who effortlessly plays above the rim, Hendricks should be an above-average rebounder at the NBA level. He’s also capable of handling the ball on the perimeter and initiating his own offense against certain matchups.
Projection
Hendricks figures to hear his name called at some point in the mid-to-late lottery, but his landing spot will ultimately determine his upside for 2023-24. Regardless of which team selects him, Hendricks will likely be viewed as a high-upside future piece, but in the right situation he could be an instant-impact player. Given his size, athleticism and two-way ability, down the road Hendricks could develop into a player with shades of Jaren Jackson Jr., Onyeka Okongwu or John Collins.
— Profile by RotoWire