OKC Thunder: NBA Draft big board 2.0 – Top 30 prospects
By Rylan Stiles
Jaden McDaniels, PF, Washington, 6’9, 200 pounds, 19 years old
Despite a lackluster freshman season that failed to live up to all the hype placed on him as an incoming freshman, Jaden McDaniels still did enough to catch the eyes of the NBA world.
Posting 13 points, five rebounds, and a pair of assists at Washington, McDaniels was streaky, to say the least. While an excellent ball-handler for a 6’9 center, he cannot turn that dribbling into something more.
His playmaking needs a massive overhaul, from his poor decision making with the ball in his hands that lead to a ton of turnovers, to poor shot selection; Whichever coach ends up with McDaniels next year will be giving him more than a few stern talks on the pine.
His fluid shooting motion, and ability to knock down triples have to encourage NBA front offices. With his 6’11 wingspan, and ability to shoot over the top of defenses, McDaniels will be a good modern-day big.
Defensively, he is one of the smallest 200-pound men I have ever seen. From the fouls to consistently being backed down, I am not sure how you keep Jaden McDaniels on the floor at the next level against the NBA big men.
Luckily for McDaniels, it is not all bad at the defensive end, given his slim frame but great length, he can switch onto multiple wings at the next level being a very switchable defender.
Given the size limitations though, it also hurts him on the offensive end. Sure he has the reach, but with no power to take advantage of smaller defenders.