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Terry Taylor is taking the challenge of being the Chicago Bulls' small-ball center

Originally posted on FanNation All Bulls | By Nick Raguz | Last updated 1/2/24

Terry Taylor hasn’t seen much playing time this season as a third-string forward for the Chicago Bulls. However, with injuries to Torrey Craig and Nikola Vucevic opening up minutes in the frontcourt, the second-year player out of Austin Peay State University has primarily played as the backup center to Andre Drummond and has embraced the responsibility.

Undersized in height, not in heart

Standing at 6-foot-5, Taylor often finds himself at a disadvantage down low. However, he uses his strong frame and craftiness to get the job done, even against players much taller than he is. In the Bulls’ last game versus the Philadelphia 76ers, Taylor registered six points and six rebounds. He also did a fine job on defense against the Sixers’ 7-foot center, Mo Bamba.

“I can be used anywhere,” Taylor said.

“I feel like I’m just willing to help the team in any way. Whether it’s at [power forward, center, small forward], whatever it is, I’d be willing to help.”

Solid impact

Taylor believes that his presence on the block often forces opposing teams to target him on defense to try and take advantage of the mismatch. However, the Bowling Green native almost always holds his own, in the process getting the opponent’s offense out of rhythm.

“I think it just gets offenses stagnant,” Taylor said.

“Everybody wants to try to find the mismatch and post everybody up, and that just slows everybody down.”

Taylor added that playing center isn’t new to him as he played the position growing up before transitioning to power forward in college. He feels confident in his abilities and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win, even if that means playing out of position.

“I don’t back away from anybody. I’m willing to go out and fight with the guys beside me. Do all the little stuff, rebound, play hard, be a good, switchable defender,” Taylor shared.