Pre-show, Stefan and I are watching the WOJ/Zach Lowe Trade Deadline Special on ESPN and Zach Lowe makes it clear that the Magic are eyeing Jaden McDaniels and would love to get their hands on him in an AG trade. Whether you choose to believe that is a real report or part of a conversation to fill air time is up to you, but why would the Magic want him? I take a quick look here:
Jaden McDaniels has become the most intriguing player on the Minnesota Timberwolves, an exciting development in what has become an otherwise dismal start to the season. McDaniels made his debut in mop-up time of a blowout loss on Dec. 27th against the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers.
This was his draft report going into the 2020 draft:
There was plenty of hype surrounding Jalen McDaniels, a 5-star recruit in high school, when he decided to stay in-state and attend Washington. However, his lone season with the Huskies may not have quite lived up to expectations.
McDaniels averaged 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 31 games, shooting 40.5 percent from the field. He was a solid contributor, but he was a bit inconsistent and had some games in which he really struggled. Regardless, the 6'9" forward will be a first-round pick in the draft and has plenty of potential as he's still only 19.
This season stats:
Averages 5.4ppg in 19 minutes played per game, plus 1 block. 3.3 boards, and he shoots 40% from the field.
Want him? You might just get him.
photo: getty images