Newest Sixer Jalen McDaniels Pivotal in Win Over the Bucks

Philadelphia 76ers forward Jalen McDaniels has only been with the team for a month. Yet many Sixers fans have begun to question whether shipping Matisse Thybulle off to Portland was the right move. After all, Matisse is already in the Trail Blazers starting lineup. Well not only did Jalen McDaniels show up Saturday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, who are 1st place in the Eastern Conference and coming off of a 16-game win streak, he showed out!

Georges Niang gets a lot of credit for the Sixers 18-point comeback win Saturday against the Bucks, and rightfully so. However, McDaniels also provided some much needed spark off the bench. Late in the 4th quarter, Giannis fouled McDaniels beyond the arc. McDaniels made all 3 free throws. Then with less than 2 minutes left in the game, he posted a crazy put-back dunk to the highlight reel. McDaniels was pivotal in the 9-0 run that gave the Sixers the lead.

Jalen McDaniels is a good defender with crazy athleticism. He’s also a very good rebounder, but he does have his weaknesses. He fouls too much and he’s not a consistent scorer. In his 9 games with the 76ers, McDaniels has only averaged 5 points-per-game while committing 2-3 fouls per game.

On a positive note, McDaniels is only 25 and his ceiling has yet to be defined. More importantly, his teammates think highly of him.

“I think he’s getting better every single day. I think he’s still learning. He had a couple breakdowns, but I think we tell him he’ll be better, but big put back in the fourth quarter. Getting fouled from 3 and knocking down all there free throws. Just bringing energy off the bench, playing hard. I know he’s gonna be a big piece for us for the rest of the year and the playoffs.” -Joel EMbiid

“It’s difficult when you’re just getting traded halfway through the season. He did a really good job of defending, first of all, knocking down shots, offensive rebound, rebounding the basketball defensively, and just doing the little things and tonight he was huge for us.” -James Harden

The 4th year pro may get more chances to prove himself this week with Tobias Harris (calf) and PJ Tucker (back) questionable. Even when Harris and Tucker are healthy, Doc should use these last 19 games to solidify Jalen McDaniels role on the team.