How Taylor Hendricks Really Helps the Jazz

The Utah Jazz selected Taylor Hendricks with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Prior to starting the journey with a new team, massive amounts of data are collected on the athlete to ensure he's the right fit.

There are no guarantees about what may happen when an NBA rookie laces his sneakers for competition, but let's analyze how Hendricks may help the Jazz.

Age

Hendricks is 19 years of age, and the Jazz are technically building for the future. He attended the University of Central Florida, where he averaged 15.1 points, seven rebounds, 1.4 assists, and .9 steals per game as a freshman in 2022-23.

Having one year of college experience will aid with maturity, but his youth will help the Jazz establish and maintain a winning culture.

Size

Hendricks stands nearly 6-foot-10. His natural position will likely be a power forward with the potential to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting ability.

A great mentor for this young man will be Kelly Olynyk due to his similar basketball skill set. Hendricks may also provide depth at the center position based on his rebounding skills and athleticism.

Jazz Nation can be excited pairing Hendricks with Olynyk or Walker Kessler, spelling either of the two for a breather, or getting super creative and playing this trio together. Whatever Jazz head coach Will Hardy decides, Hendricks provides great size to an already big basketball roster.

Versatility

Hendricks played in the American Athletic Conference and was a unanimous selection to the 2023 All-Freshman Team, All-Conference Second Team, starting all 34 of his team's games and leading them in scoring and rebounding. He also led the team by shooting 48% from the field and 39.4% from the three-point line.

Hendricks was the only player in the entire NCAA to connect on 60 or more three-point shots, have 55 or more blocks, and have at least 35 dunks during the 2023 season. Good luck trying to score on the Jazz with Hendricks and Kessler on the floor together.

The Takeaway

Excitement should fill the air in Jazz Nation but keep in mind that Hendricks has not played in an NBA game yet. More times than not, it's an adventure when a rookie takes the NBA stage, but Hendricks seems to check the boxes for success in today's league.

Despite the Jazz not always faring well in the draft over the years, the Hendricks pick was excellent.

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