Charlotte Hornets: What each young player needs to work on this summer

Jalen McDaniels: Strength, Shooting

I really think the Hornets may have gotten a steal in Jalen McDaniels with the 52nd pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Before the start of the season, I had McDaniels listed as a first round pick, and I still believe that he has first round talent.

Legal issues could have hurt his draft stock, but the Hornets made the right move by selecting him with the 52nd pick. They’re getting a young guy with a lot of hops and upside on both ends of the floor. Two things that he’ll need to work on in particular is his shooting and getting stronger.

McDaniels is very active around the rim, but he doesn’t stretch the floor particularly well. His form is really fluid and promising, though. He did hit 24 three-pointers as a sophomore at San Diego State this past season, but shot 32 percent from deep. If he keeps working at it, he could very well become a good shooter. Consistency is key.

Also, like a lot of rookies who enter the league, McDaniels is going to have to get a lot stronger. He’s very thin, but being with an NBA team full-time will provide him with the opportunity to grow not only on the court, but in the weight room as well.