Rim Protection
McDaniels’ help-side defense jumps off the screen every time he laces up. Claiming a 1.5 BLK%; which ranks in the 90th percentile among forwards, McDaniels is a top-tier shot eraser. He covers so much ground with his speedy reaction times and long strides that he uses to get back to the rim. His defensive IQ at 21 years old is not normal. Routinely making rotations that only defensive stalwarts make.
Rudy Gobert makes life easier for the whole franchise. McDaniels can now play that center field roamer role more frequently knowing one of the best rim protectors of all time is behind him erasing mistakes. Get ready to watch McDaniels blow up plays and continue to make phenomenal defense highlight-worthy.
Pushing The Ball
Teams want players that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The more playmakers/advantage creators, the easier your offense flows. McDaniels creates advantages by getting the ball off the rim and using his lanky build to glide up the court. He has the ability to scan the floor and make on-point decisions on the fast break.
Ideally, we want to see him improve his finishing on the break (0.88 points per possession in transition), but the flashes are there. The three-point flashes are apparent as well; a swing skill that ultimately determines his career trajectory.