24. Jaden McDaniels, wing, Washington
I’ve bounced back and forth on Jaden McDaniels. He wasn’t very good as a freshman at Washington, but his physical profile and skill set are impossible to discount. He’s a silky 6-foot-10 wing, and at his best, McDaniels’ scoring is characterized by a rare ease. He can shoot over the top of smaller defenders, or outmaneuver more cumbersome opponents.
McDaniels’ inefficiency and poor decision-making at Washington are cause for concern. There are also valid concerns about his general disposition, and how committed he is to winning. His reputation isn’t great. In the right situation, however, his talent could flourish.
With enough upside to justify a lottery pick, McDaniels simply cannot drop lower than this on my board. His success is no guarantee, and he will need to become more engaged on both sides of the ball to succeed at the next level. If he does that, expect good things.