Jaden McDaniels Scouting Report

Scouting Reports

McDaniels brings a lot to the table as a prospect, including length, defense, vision, rebounding, ball-handling potential, and shooting potential. While some areas are more surefire abilities than others, the upside is one of the most intriguing in the class. As a highly-touted freshman, McDaniels averaged 13 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG, and 3.2 TOPG on shooting splits of 40.5/34/76. Below is his full scouting report:

Name: Jaden McDaniels

Height/Weight: 6’9/ 200

Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’1/ N/A

Hand size: N/A

Position: Forward

College: Washington

Tools: Defense, length

Pros: 

  • Projectable frame
  • Moves well laterally
  • Capable of bringing the ball up the court and running the offense in the halfcourt
  • Good ball handling- capable of advanced space creating moves
  • Versatile defensively
  • Plays with his head up- good vision
  • Has NBA range on spot up jumper
  • Plus rebounder
  • Good help defender

Cons:

  • Needs to add strength
  • Needs to be a more consistent ball handler
  • Must improve decision making consistency; plays out of control too often
  • Jump shot base needs to be more steady
  • Must defend without fouling
  • Needs to speed up jumper
  • Predetermines moves at times
  • Averaged more turnovers than assists

Overall:

Jaden McDaniels is a raw, high-upside forward with the potential to be a shot creator that can shoot over defenses while also being a high-level defender. While he still needs to improve his decision making and grow into his frame, McDaniels projects as a capable day-one defender. His quick feet, length, and athleticism allow him to be able to comfortably defend guards, wings, and some forwards. Another strength of McDaniels on defense is his help-side instincts, which play a large part in his high block numbers. McDaniels is excellent at using his length to either be a blind-side defender or to simply make up for his lack of strength. Defense will be McDaniels’ calling card to seeing the floor early in his career.

Offensively, McDaniels is a pure play at upside. He still lacks the overall awareness, unpredictability as a ball-handler, and consistency as a shooter. However, he has a high-level ability to keep the ball on a string and he has a variety of dribble moves. As he learns to use his ball-handling ability, his upside will be closer to being unlocked. Combined with shooting potential, if the shot swings in the right direction, McDaniels could be a two way creator with spot-up ability. As McDaniels gets better with shot creation, look for his efficiency to increase.

NBA Comparison: Floor: Darius Bazley ceiling: Kelly Oubre

Projected draft range: 17-40 (drafted 28th)

Fit with Wolves:

A pure play at upside, I like the value the Timberwolves got at 28 for Jaden McDaniels. At worst, he becomes a defensive specialist, and at his best they have a guy that could become a two-way creator at forward. If he hits, this could be a key reason for Karl-Anthony Towns staying in Minnesota long-term.

Shot Chart:

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