Mar 8, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers forward K.J. McDaniels (32) drives to the basket while being defended by Pittsburgh Panthers forward Lamar Patterson (21) during the second half at J.C. Littlejohn Coliseum. Panthers won 83-78 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
SF – K.J. McDaniels, Philadelphia 76ers
Selected: Round 2, Pick 32
Honorable Mention: Cleanthony Early, Rodney Hood
K.J. McDaniels isn’t the type of player that’s going to post all-star numbers in his first season, but he’ll still show teams that passed up on him why he should have been selected earlier.
The reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year is one of the most versatile defenders coming out of the draft, and can guard any position thanks to his quick foot speed and long 6-11 wingspan.
Offensively, he struggles at creating his own scoring opportunities and needs to work on his jumpshot, however, he’s still an excellent slasher and thrives at getting to the rim as soon as he finds an opening.
Up to this point, the starting small forward spot is still up for grabs on the extremely young Sixers roster, so McDaniels definitely has a chance to earn the job early on if he outperforms his fellow teammates.