Who is Jalen McDaniels? Jalen McDaniels is a professional basketball player known for his versatility and athleticism. Born on January 31, 1998, in Federal Way, Washington, he has carved out a unique path in the NBA. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall, McDaniels plays the small forward position. He began his journey at Federal Way High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball. Later, he played college basketball at San Diego State University before being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2019. Over the years, McDaniels has shown flashes of brilliance, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Key Takeaways:
- Jalen McDaniels, a talented basketball player, achieved success in high school and college before entering the NBA. Despite facing challenges, his potential and dedication continue to shape his journey in professional basketball.
- McDaniels' career has been marked by notable performances, team changes, and personal challenges. His financial earnings and future prospects in the NBA reflect his journey, potential for growth, and impact on various teams.
Early Life and High School Achievements
Jalen McDaniels' journey to the NBA began in Federal Way, Washington. His early years were marked by impressive performances on the basketball court, setting the stage for his future career.
- Birth and Hometown: Jalen McDaniels was born on January 31, 1998, in Seattle, Washington, but he grew up in Federal Way, Washington.
- High School Career: McDaniels attended Federal Way High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball.
- High School Achievements: In his senior year, he averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocked shots per game.
- State Championship: McDaniels helped his team achieve a perfect 29-0 record, winning the Class 4A state championship.
- Recruitment Rankings: He was ranked as the 98th best prospect in the class of 2016 by Rivals and 120th by 247Sports.
College Career at San Diego State University
McDaniels' college career at San Diego State University (SDSU) was a crucial period for his development as a player. His performances caught the attention of NBA scouts.
- Redshirt Season: McDaniels red-shirted the 2016-2017 season at SDSU.
- Freshman Season: He averaged 10.5 points in 24.7 minutes per game, starting 21 out of 33 games.
- Mountain West Player of the Week: On February 19, 2018, he earned the Mountain West player of the week honor.
- Early NBA Draft Entry: In March 2018, McDaniels submitted paperwork for early entry into the 2018 NBA draft but later withdrew.
- Sophomore Season: As a sophomore, he averaged 15.9 points per game and led the team in rebounding with 8.3 rebounds per game.
NBA Draft and Early Professional Career
Jalen McDaniels' transition to the NBA was marked by his selection in the 2019 NBA draft and his early years with the Charlotte Hornets.
- NBA Draft Selection: McDaniels was selected with the 52nd overall draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2019 NBA draft.
- NBA Debut: On October 25, 2019, he made his NBA debut, scoring two points and grabbing a rebound.
- Two-Way Contract: On October 19, 2019, his contract was converted to a two-way contract with the Hornets.
- Multi-Year Contract: The next day, he signed a multi-year contract with the Hornets.
- G League Assignment: McDaniels was assigned to the Greensboro Swarm, the Hornets’ NBA G League affiliate.
Notable Performances and Career Highlights
Throughout his NBA career, McDaniels has had several standout performances that highlight his potential and skill.
- Season Highs: On March 9, 2020, he scored a season-high 11 points in a double overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
- Career Highs: His career highs include 26 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, five steals, and two blocks.
- Best Production: His best production came in the 2022-23 season with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 26.7 minutes per game.
- Season High in 2021: On April 7, 2021, he recorded a season-high 21 points in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Advanced Statistics: McDaniels has a true shooting percentage of .449 and an effective field goal percentage of .511 over his NBA career.
Trades and Team Changes
McDaniels' career has seen him move between several teams, each transition bringing new opportunities and challenges.
- Trade to Charlotte Hornets: McDaniels was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 2019 and played for the team until 2023.
- Trade to Toronto Raptors: In June 2023, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Davion Mitchell and Sasha Vezenkov.
- Trade to Sacramento Kings: On October 14, 2024, the Sacramento Kings traded McDaniels to the San Antonio Spurs.
- Waived by Spurs: The Spurs waived McDaniels, giving Sacramento roster flexibility for future moves.
- Role in Sacramento Kings: Despite potential, his role in the Kings was uncertain, possibly competing for garbage time minutes.
Personal Life and Family
Jalen McDaniels' personal life and family background have also played a significant role in shaping his career.
- Brother’s Career: Jaden McDaniels, his younger brother, is a professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Cousin’s Career: McDaniels is the cousin of former NBA player Juwan Howard.
- Sexual Offense Allegations: In 2019, McDaniels faced civil suits for secretly filming sexual acts, for which he issued an apology.
- Social Media Presence: He is active on Twitter at @jalenmcdaniels5 and Instagram at @jalenmcdaniels.
- Schools Attended: McDaniels attended Federal Way High School and San Diego State University.
Career Statistics and Advanced Metrics
McDaniels' career statistics and advanced metrics provide a deeper insight into his performance on the court.
- NBA Statistics: Over five NBA seasons, McDaniels has averaged 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
- Free Throw Rate: He has a free throw rate of .322, indicating fewer free throws relative to field goal attempts.
- Offensive Rebound Percentage: McDaniels has an offensive rebound percentage of .344.
- Defensive Rebound Percentage: He has a defensive rebound percentage of .449.
- Assist Percentage: McDaniels has an assist percentage of .382, showing involvement in teammates' field goals.
- Steal Percentage: His steal percentage is .232, indicating moderate involvement in steals.
- Block Percentage: McDaniels has a block percentage of .056, contributing occasionally with blocks.
- Turnover Percentage: He has a turnover percentage of .074, showing efficiency with the ball.
Financial and Future Prospects
Jalen McDaniels' financial earnings and future prospects in the NBA highlight his journey and potential for growth.
- Net Worth: McDaniels has earned at least $10,645,593 playing professional basketball, with a 2024 salary of $4,516,000.
- Expectations for 2024-25 Season: Expectations for McDaniels in the 2024-25 season are low, possibly competing for limited minutes.
- Potential as Depth Piece: Despite limitations, McDaniels has potential as a playable depth piece due to his size and length.
- Career Path: His career path has been marked by inconsistency, with moments of high production and periods of low efficiency.
- Advanced Metrics: Advanced metrics show McDaniels has struggled with shooting consistency and overall efficiency.
- Impact on Sacramento Kings: The trade involving McDaniels gave the Kings roster flexibility for potential future moves.
- Comparison to Other Trades: His trade is part of a trend of teams shedding salary and gaining flexibility.
- Player Development: McDaniels has shown potential as a developmental player, participating in various training sessions.
- Brother’s Impact: Jaden McDaniels' success has influenced Jalen's career, though Jalen has carved out his own niche.
- Legacy: McDaniels' legacy in the NBA is still being written, showcasing dedication and perseverance.
- Role in San Antonio Spurs: After being traded to the Spurs, McDaniels will likely be waived, giving the team roster flexibility.
- Impact on Sacramento Kings: The trade involving McDaniels has given the Sacramento Kings roster flexibility, allowing them to potentially make other moves down the line.
Jalen McDaniels: A Journey of Perseverance
Jalen McDaniels' path from Federal Way High School standout to NBA player showcases his dedication and resilience. Despite facing challenges, including sexual offense allegations and fluctuating playing time, McDaniels has carved out a niche in professional basketball. His time with the Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, and Sacramento Kings highlights his adaptability and potential as a valuable team asset. With career highs like 26 points and 12 rebounds, McDaniels has shown flashes of brilliance. His advanced stats, such as a true shooting percentage of .449, indicate areas for growth. As he continues his career, McDaniels' journey serves as an inspiration, proving that perseverance and hard work can lead to success. Whether as a depth piece or a key rotation player, McDaniels' story is far from over, and his legacy in the NBA continues to evolve.
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