Jalen McDaniels will probably end up playing power forward. Although, his basic box scorers statistics are not that impressive. McDaniels is clearly a force on the basketball court whenever you watch the Aztecs play. At 6’10” and with a wingspan of over 7′, McDaniels posses major defensive upside. He has been extremely efficient with his minutes, as well. McDaniels shot 62.2% on two point shot attempts last season. Although his three-point percentage was low, his 78.8% free throw percentage flashes shooting upside.
McDaniels alongside Al-Farouq Aminu and Maurice Harkless would give the Blazers three quality perimeter defenders in the short term. Aminu has stepped up his game defensively this year, and Harkless has always been solid defensively. McDaniels certainly has the physical tools and instincts to become an All NBA defender. The Blazers could have a poor man’s version of the Rocket’s 2017-18 frontcourt rotation consisting of P.J. Tucker, Luc Mbah a Moute, and Trevor Ariza that made them so successful.
More importantly, they will have a shot at a two-way star long term. If McDaniels can continue to develop his jump shot, the sky is the limit. The last San Diego State forward with two-way upside turned out to be Kawhi Leonard.