Top Jazz Rebuild Shock: Taylor Hendricks Ranked 3rd – Must See!

The Utah Jazz seem to have concluded their significant offseason activities, with the most notable addition being three new rookies to their roster. The Jazz have accumulated draft picks over the last three years as part of their ambitious rebuilding plan. Each rookie is at a different stage in their career and brings a unique set of skills and potential contributions to the team. Let’s evaluate and rank these players.

This ranking does not merely reflect the players with the highest potential or those who are currently the best performers. Instead, it will consider what the players have already demonstrated, the areas in which they are expected to improve, and how these factors align with the needs of the Jazz.

7. Brice Sensabaugh

6. Kyle Filipowski

5. Isaiah Collier

4. Walker Kessler

3. Taylor Hendricks

Taylor Hendricks, being the top draft pick among those listed, presented a challenging decision regarding his ranking. He is projected to be a valuable team member, particularly through his shooting abilities and defensive skills, although his offensive game is somewhat limited, affecting his consistency in game impact.

His performance in the summer league reflected his first NBA season — with promising highs, such as scoring 23 points and grabbing nine rebounds against Toronto on an impressive 9/10 shooting, and concerning lows, like a game where he missed all six three-point attempts.

Taylor Hendricks showcased his shotmaking ability in the @utahjazz’s Vegas win over the Raptors!

23 PTS | 9 REB | 3 3PM | 9-10 FGM pic.twitter.com/Eo6zX0AVQ8

Hendricks was selected for his exceptional shooting, combined with his size, athleticism, and shot-blocking capabilities, a rare combination in the NBA. His skill set is reminiscent of players like Robert Covington, Jonathan Isaac, and Jaren Jackson Jr., making him a highly sought-after player type in the league.

In the previous year, Hendricks made several notable defensive plays, none more impressive than a block on Kevin Durant.

. @tayxhendricks BLOCK @keyonte1george BUCKET pic.twitter.com/1PoCzoREJq

Offensively, he is proficient as a spot-up shooter and an effective cutter. Hendricks managed a 37.9% success rate from the three-point line over 40 games with the Jazz. Despite some initial struggles, he improved to shoot 54% from beyond the arc in the last seven games of the season. Including his G-League statistics, he shot a respectable 36.7% from three-point range during his rookie year. His continued development in handling the ball will be crucial, as his current limitations have led to turnovers when he tries to create plays.

While it is not essential for him to handle the ball to be effective, his development in this area will likely influence his future role with the Jazz, especially considering the team’s significant investment in Lauri Markkanen as their long-term power forward. How coach Will Hardy manages this aspect of the team’s lineup remains to be seen.

TAYLOR HENDRICKS DUNK REEL

RT IF YOU’RE EXCITED FOR YEAR 2 pic.twitter.com/zbkk4Hhfoj

Looking ahead, Hendricks’ growth and how he leverages his opportunities will be crucial for the Jazz’s strategy. His unique abilities and potential development are key factors to watch in the coming season.

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