5 Players drafted ahead of Mavs rookie Dereck Lively II that he's already outplayed
By Austin McGee
![Nov 19, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II Nov 19, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5383,h_3027,x_0,y_66/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/83/01hg9e81q568zt6d4118.jpg)
4. Taylor Hendricks
Original Draft Position: 9th
Another surprise selection, Taylor Hendricks was drafted 9th by the Utah Jazz. Hendricks only suited up for one season at UCF before he decided to test the NBA Draft waters.
And despite coming to UCF as an unheralded recruit, the 6-foot-9 Hendricks shot up draft boards due to a unique combination of size, athleticism, and shot-making.
While playing for the Golden Knights, he averaged 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. The young forward also demonstrated plenty of shotmaking. Hendricks knocked down 1.8 3-pointers per game on a 39.4 percent clip.
Hendricks' mix of production and potential pushed him into lottery consideration, where the Jazz drafted him overall several worthy candidates. The Utah pick was questionable at best.
Drafting Hendricks in the lottery may still be a fantastic decision. But, selecting another power forward has created a logjam at the position. And thus far, Hendricks is the odd man out.
Following the draft, Utah traded for former Atlanta forward John Collins to add to an already big-heavy rotation. Alongside Utah star Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz boast several viable options at the forward and center spots. Walker Kessler, Kelly Olynk, Ochai Agbaji, and Simone Fontecchio all stand in the way of Hendricks' playing time.
The young forward has only appeared in one game this season, playing just two minutes in his sole appearance. He's made seven appearances in the G League, averaging 28.5 minutes per game.
Despite ample opportunity with the Salt Lake City Stars, Hendricks is only shooting 36.3 percent from the floor and 2.3 turnovers per game compared to only 1.1 assists.