Jazz F Taylor Hendricks 'Wasn’t Even Thinking' About NBA One Year Ago

While a top-ten selection to the Utah Jazz would have you assume Taylor Hendricks has had his sights on joining an NBA roster for an extensive amount of time now, it seems that isn’t quite the case here. Despite having such high prestige physically as a prospect along with an NBA-ready skillset, Hendricks says making the NBA this quickly wasn’t the expectation.

“It’s crazy. One year ago, I wasn’t even thinking about going to the NBA. I was just thinking about focusing on the college season, trying to win my Conference, trying to get better, and trying to earn my spot on the team. So to come here from a year, it’s a blessing. And it shows how real God is because clearly, his hands are all over my path, so [I’m] thankful.”

- Taylor Hendricks after selected 9th overall by the

Utah Jazz

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It’s one step at a time for Hendricks, considering he was only 18 years old one year ago. Making the jump to the most talented basketball league in the world isn’t at the forefront of every teenager’s mind so early. It was only about halfway through the college season making the NBA was a real possibility he could see himself accomplishing.

“I would say halfway through the season people started tagging me on stuff on social media, telling me I’m going to a certain team. Like, it’s halfway through the college season and you’re telling me I’m going to a certain NBA team. Just seeing my name on mock drafts, and talking to my agent about some teams. Seeing teams come to the gym to watch me practice, to watch some of my game, that’s when I started to think, ‘I might me a one-and-done.’”

Thankfully, the hard work and preparation for him have paid off in a big way. Utah can utilize the valuable skillset Hendricks brings next to Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler in the Jazz frontcourt for years to come, even if it wasn’t exactly in the cards for Taylor so soon.

The Jazz will welcome Hendricks alongside other rookies Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh on Monday as they make their long-awaited arrival to Salt Lake City.

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