Following the 2021 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers moved quickly to sign undrafted free agents. They brought in Ohio State guard Duane Washington and then also added Austin Peay guard Terry Taylor. Many knew who Washington was when they signed him, but Taylor has flown under the radar thus far.
Taylor was signed to a training camp deal and many have already written him off as far as making the roster. However, Taylor is ready to embrace his opportunity with the Pacers.
During the 2020-21 college basketball season with Austin Peay, Taylor ended up averaging 21.6 points per game to go along with 11.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists. That’s right, he averaged 11.1 rebounds as a 6-foot-5 guard. He shot 52.1 percent from the floor and knocked down 27.9 percent of his three-point attempts.
His three-point shooting was low, but his previous three years he shot 32 percent, 34 percent, and 43.2 percent from the three-point line respectively. That is an area that Taylor has the potential to be much better than his numbers indicated last season.
Our own Evan Massey was able to do an exclusive interview with Terry Taylor and it is must-read material for all Pacers’ fans to get acquainted with their new rookie guard.
First up on the agenda, we talked to Taylor about how the draft process was for him and what it was like to get a deal done with the Pacers following the NBA Draft.
“It was long and a bit exhausting, but man I’m forever grateful that I got to experience that because not many people from where I’m from get to do what I did. It was just surreal to have the Pacers really give me a chance to prove myself and show them they were right to give me the chance! Thankful for the opportunity more than they know it!”
Taylor then opened up about what he brings to the court, as many Pacers fans have never had the chance to see him play.
“I play hard man. I play with a lot of grit and tenacity, I have a really good motor. I rebound the ball very well, I’m versatile on defense. I can do a little bit of everything.”
Next up, we talked about his fit with the Pacers and how he sees himself sliding in with the team.
“I think I’ll fit in well. They play hard just as I do, they have a lot of people such Brogdon, Warren, and more that are versatile defensively.”
Every fan loves to hear player comparisons for young players coming out of the draft. Taylor had some intriguing names that he has modeled his game after that Pacers fans are going to love.
“Jae’Sean Tate, PJ Tucker, Draymond Green. They all do the little things in games, make the right passes, get a deflection, talking on defense, etc. I model myself after them being undersized at the positions we play, you have to gritty and a dog. They do a lot of things I can see myself doing early in my career. Hit open shots, crash the glass, and just be versatile defensively and holding my own on switches and matchups.”
Taylor also has some advice for young basketball players who dream of playing in the NBA one day.
“My advice to a younger player would be to just keep working and do the things you’re good at. Don’t get discouraged if you see somebody get the opportunity before you, be patient your time is coming! Have faith in God that everything will workout how it’s supposed to.”
We also talked about what his biggest strengths and weaknesses are at this stage of his basketball career.
“Strengths: rebounding, versatility to switch on defense, my motor.
Weaknesses: shooting mechanics, playmaking (right now).
Finally, we wanted to get an idea of who Terry Taylor is off-the court and away from the game he loves. He was happy to share more about himself.
“I’m quiet till you get to know me or I feel like you good people. I like to joke around and just laugh. I’m laidback, kinda reserved.”
While the Pacers have a lot of talented players on their roster, Taylor is a guy that deserves a longer look than many are giving him. He may not end up making the roster, but his work ethic and motor gives him a chance. Don’t write him off yet, he’s just getting started.
