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:
