2023 NBA Draft: UCF’s Taylor Hendricks is a Prototypical NBA Forward

Central Florida freshman Taylor Hendricks has surprised as a potential one-and-done in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Central Florida freshman Taylor Hendricks has surprised as a potential one-and-done in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Averaging 15.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 blocks and just shy of one steal per game at 6-foot-9, Hendricks has emerged as a potential high-impact selection and lottery pick.

Shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc on 4.6 attempts per game for the Knights, Hendricks is one of the better shooting forwards in the entire class. He’s got a smooth, high release and, while there’s not a ton of shot variance (51 of his 57 threes being catch-and-shoot shots), he won’t need much to succeed at the next level.

His shooting, coupled with his defense, could help make him an immediate high-impact draftee. He does a great job of using his frame to his advantage, functioning well as a secondary shot-blocker and rim protector.

Even more than that, Hendricks has flashes impressive point-of-attack defense and versatility when switching onto smaller guards.

With a loose handle, Hendricks has struggled with creation to this point in the season, but won’t need to worry about it as a power forward in the modern NBA. He can fit seamlessly in a variety of lineups, making him an intriguing pick in the back half of the 2023 NBA Lottery.

His floor-spacing ability and two-way upside give him plenty of room to continue growing as a player throughout what is sure to be a long and successful career.

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