A blockbuster trade launches UCF alum Taylor Hendricks to Memphis. Can a fresh start reignite his promising career after a challenging season?
UCF alum Taylor Hendricks will have a fresh start with the Memphis Grizzlies after being included in the shocking Jaren Jackson Jr. trade.
The former Jazz forward, rookie guard Walter Clayton Jr., forwards Georges Niang and Kyle Anderson and three first-round picks were sent to the Grizzlies for Jackson Jr., guard Vince Williams and forward John Konchar, as reported by Shams Charania.
Hendricks had an up-and-down tenure in Utah. He was the team's ninth pick in the 2023 draft — the highest draft pick in UCF men's basketball.
The 6-foot-9 wing is averaging 4.9 points and three rebounds on 45% from the field this season. Hendricks has shown flashes, but isn't consistent.
He dropped a career-high 21 points on 7-for-10 shooting with four rebounds and three steals against the Grizzlies on Dec. 23.
Hendrick's career-high was an encouraging performance after he recovered from a season-ending injury last year, and he said he wanted to do more consistently.
"I'm a very competitive person, so you know I always feel like I could
do more than I can," Hendricks said. "So the eagerness is always there."
Hendricks fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle on his right leg against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 28, 2024. It was the third game of the season.
Before his injury, the UCF alum had a solid rookie season. He averaged 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, alongside nailing 37.9% of his threes. Hendrick's play that year fit the prototypical three-and-D wing that many teams in the league covet.
With three years of professional experience, he highlighted the differences between college and the NBA, on handchecking, and spoke about his development.
"NBA guys are a lot better, so they know how to manipulate it," Hendricks said. "So you know that's like a huge jump to try and learn. I feel like no one can ever really master guarding that. But the more reps you get, you can pick up on tendencies and [know] when certain players will try to get you in foul trouble."
Hendricks averaged 15.1 points, seven rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.7 blocks while shooting a scorching hot 39.4% from three with UCF. His play translated from college to his rookie season in the league.
However, Hendrick's season-ending injury last year set him back, and he's been inconsistent since returning. A fresh start on a new team could present him with the opportunity to return to form from his rookie season and cement a long-lasting career.