Lakers select McDaniels with No. 28 pick, will be traded to Timberwolves
With the No. 28 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Washington forward Jaden McDaniels. The pick was reportedly traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Dennis Schroder deal and then to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
McDaniels' addition to the Huskies' program was greeted with fanfare, as he was a top-10 recruit and local product. However, he fell short of expectations during an inconsistent 2019-20 campaign.
McDaniels averaged 13 points, 5.8 boards, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game during his lone season in Washington. While his numbers don't jump off the charts, his production did show the 20-year-old's all-around skill set.
Huskies head coach Mike Hopkins almost exclusively uses the famous two-three zone defense he learned under Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim. McDaniels believes the team's scheme prevented him from displaying his full defensive potential.
"Because we played zone, I didn't get to show I could guard one through five in man (coverage)," McDaniels told reporters, including theScore, during his recent NBA draft media availability.
The McDonald's All-American could be one of the top talents to come out of this year's draft if he lands in a strong developmental system.
Bio
Position: F
School: Washington
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 200 lbs
Wingspan: 7-feet
Max vertical: N/A
Strengths
- Can score at all three levels
- Handles the ball extremely well for his size, and he can create separation from defenders off the dribble
- Uses his length to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes
- Slides his feet well when guarding wings
- Good weak-side shot-blocker
- Flashed playmaking potential
Weaknesses
- Settles for a lot of tough shots
- Lacks defensive discipline, and he led the Pac-12 with 103 personal fouls last season
- Slender frame makes it difficult for him to play through contact
- Needs to improve his decision-making after registering more turnovers (100) than assists (65) in 2019-20