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3 players Knicks should be scouting for 2023 NBA Draft

By Desmond Novack

Dec 21, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Jett Howard (13) at the foul line during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Jumpman Classic at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Jett Howard (13) at the foul line during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Jumpman Classic at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taylor Hendricks, Calvary Christian Academy.
Taylor Hendricks, Calvary Christian Academy. /

2: SF/PF Taylor Hendricks, UCF

Taylor Hendricks could be a very interesting player for the Knicks to take later in the first round if they decide to move on from Julius Randle or Obi Toppin. Honestly, with the size, speed, and athleticism Hendricks has, there’s a pretty solid chance he could play the three in today’s NBA.

Regardless, Hendricks is a six-foot-nine, 210-pound beast of a power forward out of UCF with some impressive versatility on both sides of the ball. While, yes, the competition is somewhat limited when you play for UCF, however, what he shows on film is fun to watch.

This season, Hendricks has been the definition of a stretch four, shooting an incredible 46% from three on 4.2 attempts per game. This isn’t the most sustainable shooting clip, but it is very nice to see that he can at least knock down shots from behind the arc when he is called upon to do so.

While he has shown some flashes of off-dribble shot creation, most of Hendricks’ offense comes off the catch or off-ball movement. This isn’t a bad thing, however, it could potentially limit his offensive usage in the NBA. However, as I said before, he has shown flashes of creating his own shot, and when you consider that he is also just 19 years old, he has plenty of room to grow.

Where things really get interesting when talking about Hendricks, though, is his defensive ability and overall athleticism. This is where Hendricks shines, as not only does he have some incredible hops, but his overall agility for his size allows Hendricks to play some pretty good defense on the perimeter at times.

In addition to this, Hendricks is also a very solid defender in the paint. While his smaller frame may cause him to get “bullied” by bigger PFs in the NBA, his ability to reject shots can easily make up for that.

Overall, Hendricks has plenty of room to grow as a passer and self-creator. However, his shot-making and two-way potential make him a very exciting prospect to watch. If one of the Knicks’ draft picks falls back into the early-to-mid 20s, Hendricks may be the guy to take depending on who’s still available.

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