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LA Clippers 2019 NBA Draft Profile: Jalen McDaniels

By Garrett Chorpenning

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 20: Jalen McDaniels #5 of the San Diego State Aztecs celebrates a three point shot during a second round game of Maui Invitational college basketball game against the Xavier Musketeers at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2018 in Lahaina Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 20: Jalen McDaniels #5 of the San Diego State Aztecs celebrates a three point shot during a second round game of Maui Invitational college basketball game against the Xavier Musketeers at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2018 in Lahaina Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – FEBRUARY 20: San Diego State University Aztecs forward Jalen McDaniels (5) is guarded by Nevada Wolf Pack forward Cody Martin (11)during the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the San Diego State University Aztecs on February 20, 2019 at the Steve Fisher Court at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alan Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – FEBRUARY 20: San Diego State University Aztecs forward Jalen McDaniels (5) is guarded by Nevada Wolf Pack forward Cody Martin (11)during the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the San Diego State University Aztecs on February 20, 2019 at the Steve Fisher Court at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alan Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Offense

Jalen McDaniels seemed like a solid enough player during his freshman year at San Diego State, averaging 10.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in just under 25 minutes per game. He shot a lowly 21.1 percent from three-point range, but outside of that, he was good.

In his sophomore season, though, McDaniels improved his numbers across the board, averaging 15.9 points and 8.3 rebounds in 31 minutes per contest. He also brought his three-point percentage up to 32.0 percent on 2.2 attempts per game, showing promise that the shot is something he can work into his game soon.

McDaniels is efficient enough elsewhere for forward — a career 50.4 percent shooter from the field and 75.8 percent shooter from the stripe, he’s shown to be a smart scorer that knows when he should and shouldn’t shoot.

Despite standing 6’10”, McDaniels weighs just 195 pounds, so he’ll need to put on some muscle to be competitive in the post and size up against NBA bodies. Luckily, what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed. The forward is quick to get down the floor, and he doesn’t shy away from contact at the rim. His handle is also worth taking a look at:

Defense

McDaniels is gifted enough on the offensive end of the ball, but where he really shines is on defense — and we know how much the LA Clippers like two-way players.

Given his speed and slender frame, McDaniels is able to stay in front of his opponents on the perimeter, making him a solid option to throw at floor-stretching bigs.

As was stated earlier, he’s not bulky, which will limit his ability as a post defender. He also doesn’t have the longest wingspan (7’0″) for someone of his size, so his ceiling as a rim protector doesn’t seem too high. But he hustles hard enough, and with the right training, McDaniels could improve enough to be a solid defender all over the floor.

The focus here is on perimeter defense more than anything, and as long as he continues to excel at that, his potential as a two-way option is reason enough to draft him.