NBA Draft Scouting Report: Taylor Hendricks

In one year at UCF, Taylor Hendricks established himself as a legitimate lottery pick. At 6-foot-9-inches, he has great versatility and athleticism.

Hendricks averaged 15.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last season. He also shot 48% from the field and 39% from 3-point range. He tallied five double-doubles, including two in his first four games. Over the last seven games of the season, he posted 16 points and 8.4 rebounds.

A stout defender, he notched 1.7 blocks per game, which led in the American Athletic Conference. A ballhawk, he can guard both forwards and centers and serve as a pivotal rim protector. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native showed an elite jumping ability.

Measurements

Height: 6 feet, 9 inches

Weight: 210 pounds

Wingspan: 7 feet, 1/2 inch

Strengths

Athleticism/Defense, Shooting

The power forward demonstrated his unique athleticism all season long. He can jump out of the gym, and on the defensive end, it has led to him being a strong shot blocker. He can fly out of nowhere and swat an opponent’s shot away.

On offense, Hendricks showed a great shooting ability for a big. He knocked down 39% of his shots from 3-point range on more than 4.5 attempts per game. Playing as a stretch power forward or center in the NBA, this shooting ability will prove beneficial.

Areas to improve

Playmaking, pounding down low

Hendricks has trouble finding his own shot. If his shot is not there, he has trouble making plays either for himself or for others. The power forward had a 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Off the dribble, he has struggled as well.

Even though he is listed as a power forward, Hendricks does not have the traditional ‘big’ body. He will not bang in the post against the traditional big men in the NBA. With that said, his athleticism will allow him to move past the slower opposition.

Projected draft range: Lottery pick

Hendricks demonstrates a unique skillset that will translate to the NBA. He’s a power forward with a strong sense of finding the ball on defense and swatting opponents’ shots. Couple that with a strong shooting ability from the outside, the UCF product will go high in this year’s draft and contribute immediately at the next level.