Don't you dare say "just the NIT" to K.J. McDaniels. His Clemson Tigers may not have qualified for the 2014 NCAA Tournament, but that didn't stop him from dropping jaws this past March. But it was just the NIT, meaning McDaniels' performance, and most of his excellent junior season, stayed outside of the general consciousness. Rest assured, however, that McDaniels is a legitimate NBA prospect, one who should help immediately at both ends and could have starter potential if his jump shot develops, all from a late first-round pick.
Background
| Position | DX Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/o Shoes | Weight (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF | 20 | 24 | 6' 4.5" | 196 |
| Wing | Vert (in.) | Standing Reach | Hand Length (in.) | Agility (sec.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6' 11.25" | 37 | 8' 6" | 8.75 | 12.71 |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 17.1 | 7.1 | 1.6 | 45.9% | 2.8 |
| 2012-13 | 10.9 | 5.0 | 0.8 | 43.3% | 2.1 |
| 2011-12 | 3.9 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 45.4% | 0.7 |
Scouting Report
Strengths: Along with having a ready-made nickname (KJMD), McDaniels offers a largely NBA-ready game. While he's not tall for the three, he has the length, reach, and explosive athleticism to handle the position without issue, and he uses those tools to his advantage to clean up the glass and, most impressively, to lock down opposing wings with aplomb (his shot-blocking rate was elite for the position). Offensively, McDaniels is less refined, which seems crazy considering he scored 30 points on 11 shots once in the NIT. He's an excellent finisher around the basket and a decent creator, but he really shines in transition.
Weaknesses: The biggest hole in McDaniels' game right now is the lack of a steady 3-point shot, a relative necessity for wings in today's NBA. However, the shot itself doesn't look bad, it's just inconsistent, and there's hope he can improve on it thanks to his decent numbers with his feet set and an excellent free throw percentage. His offensive skill set lacks refinement but isn't necessarily bad, just a few steps behind his defense.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
McDaniels' position on draft boards has floated around during the pre-draft process, but it's been more due to the oscillating stock of the other wings in his tier. The general consensus seems to be that he's a solid, if unspectacular hand, though some reportedly see him as a sleeper (ourselves included). While he's not mocked as high, you can make a case for him going as early as No. 18, and it seems unlikely he'll slip from the first round.
