The Sixer Sense
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Is Jalen McDaniels playing for the 76ers tonight versus the Knicks?

By Jonathan Geib

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 05: Jalen McDaniels #6 of the Charlotte Hornets looks to pass the ball during the first period of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center on February 05, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 05: Jalen McDaniels #6 of the Charlotte Hornets looks to pass the ball during the first period of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center on February 05, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers were not as active as many expected them to be before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. The deadline came and went without the 76ers upgrading the backup center position, however, they did add wing depth by acquiring forward, Jalen McDaniels from the Charlotte Hornets.

The Philadelphia 76ers traded Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trailblazers as part of a four-team trade that landed us the 25-year-old McDaniels from Charlotte. It has been no secret that Thybulle’s future with the 76ers was up in the air. His unreliable shooting has led to inconsistent playing time even though he is likely an All-NBA defensive player this year.

Will McDaniels play tonight versus the Knicks?

Per Keith Pompey, McDaniels will not be in the lineup tonight as the trade is being finalized.

When McDaniels does suit up for the Sixers, he will bring a different skill set, but likely be a better fit for this team on the floor than Thybulle. His athleticism is impressive and he uses all of his 6’9″ frame. On the offensive end of the floor, McDaniels has the strength to battle with bigs in the post while also being able to knock down mid-range jumpers.

This season for the Hornets, McDaniels has averaged 10.6 points and 4.8 rebounds in 26 minutes of playing time. I expect those numbers to remain relatively stable for his time with the Sixers. McDaniels is more of a shooting and scoring threat than Thybulle and will give the offense a new dynamic.

The defensive end is where we will notice Thybulle’s absence more. McDaniels will not be able to replace Thybulle’s contribution. However, McDaniels’ size and speed do give him the versatility to defend several different positions which gives the Sixers more lineup flexibility.

McDaniels should fit seamlessly into a second unit run by Maxey and aid in improving a bench lineup that has been disappointing thus far, to say the least. Hopefully, with the regular season closing fast, McDaniels has enough time to build continuity with his new teammates before the playoffs start in April.