Here’s How Scouts Compare Jazz Rookie Taylor Hendricks to NBA Players
After the long wait to see how the Utah Jazz would attack the 2023 NBA Draft, we finally saw Taylor Hendricks become the prospect of choice at 9th overall. While many have seen the general consensus of Hendricks being a “3&D forward” prospect, fans may wonder how exactly he stacks up against NBA talent.
Player comparisons are far from a perfect gauge of how a player will develop in the league. We’ve seen some historically bad comparisons and cold takes in recent drafts, but it at least helps build some baseline expectations for the playstyle Utah will get in their new prospects.
In order for Jazz fans to see what type of player they’re getting in their new rookie forward, here’s a few of the most notable comparisons we’ve seen to the newest addition to Utah’s exciting young core:
Bleacher Report
While Bobby Portis is far from most exciting comparison in the world, it’s a testament to how Hendricks can fit into any NBA lineup from day one. As Bleacher Report notes, his ability as an overall playmaker with the ball in his hands is crucial to his ceiling in Utah.
NBA Comparison: Bobby Portis
"Hendricks has the type of shooting stroke and defensive tools that could allow him to play rookie minutes and stick in the league for 15 years. How high his ceiling goes will depend on the development he shows making plays off the dribble."
NBA Draft Room
An upgrade from Bobby Portis, the comparison to former All-Star Antawn Jamison really shows the true upside there is with Taylor. The athleticism and defensive ability within Hendricks screams "star potential” in the eyes of NBA Draft Room.
NBA Comparison: Antawn Jamison
At 6-9 with a strong frame Hendricks is a bouncy athlete who gets off the floor effortlessly and is a true above-the-rim player. He’s a great dunker and is always a threat on the offensive glass...A standout defender who can guard 3-5 and is a really instinctual rim protector, Hendricks is exactly the type of big versatile forward that is highly coveted in the league these days...Has great movement skills for a player his size and easily passes the eye test. He’s got more star potential than people realize.
DraftKings Nation
DraftKings sees Hendricks as a similar lanky and versatile forward to Jerami Grant, likely looking to be one of the most sought after talents in the league during the upcoming free agency class.
NBA Comparison: Jerami Grant
"He’s a patient and cerebral defender who excels on the glass for a forward as he averaged seven rebounds per game with the UCF Knights. On offense, he’s a strong ball handler who can pull up from just about anywhere on the court and has shown improvement on hitting his shots from beyond the arc. He’s great on the pick-and-roll, catching passes with ease and making straight-line drives to the basket."
NBADraft.net
The most optimistic comparison on this list comes from NBADraft.net, linking Hendricks to the versatile and offensive weapon in Pascal Siakam. While many value Taylor Hendricks as a primarily defensive prospect, there’s some inspiring belief here in his upside as a scorer as well.
NBA Comparison: Pascal Siakam
"Hendricks is a slender 6’9 215 PF/C prospect who has a good combination of size, mobility and athleticism to fit in different roles in the frontcourt … Has some versatility offensively, and has the potential to put up solid scoring production (15 ppg on nearly 48 FG%) without having to dominate the ball...Has been outstanding defensively as a Fr., particularly off the ball, showing excellent overall instincts and timing as a rim protector (1.7 BPG)."
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