2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks go defense, Pistons surprise at 5

9. Utah Jazz grab Taylor Hendricks

Nobody expects Hendricks to be a top-ten pick in the 2023 NBA Draft coming into this season. He was the 46th prospect coming out of high school, and most expected him to spend multiple seasons at UCF.

Instead, the 6’9 forward blossomed. He averaged 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 34.7 minutes per game while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 39.4 percent on his threes. He is listed at 210 pounds and has tons of athletic ability.

Hendricks could be the 3-and-D forward that every team covets. He has a seven-foot wingspan and the versatility to guard two through four. The 19-year-old will throw in fives as he adds some mass. Hendricks could be used as a stretch five in the right matchups, and there is immense potential, especially after making a massive improvement over the last year.

The Utah Jazz are just starting a rebuild, and Danny Ainge would love to add a talented wing. He drafted both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston. Could Taylor Hendricks be Ainge’s next homerun draft choice? He certainly has the potential. Expect him to go in the top ten, and it will be tough for the Jazz to pass if he slips this far.