Charlotte Hornets: Will Jalen McDaniels have a larger role next season?
As of late, Mitch Kupchak has continued to make stellar picks for the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the NBA Draft.
The 2019 NBA Draft featured another successful draft year for the Charlotte Hornets. In last year’s draft, Jalen McDaniels was the team’s last pick in the second round.
Heading into the season, many did not know how to feel about the Hornets’ second-round picks in the 2019 draft. However, every pick proved their worth with their impressive play over the season.
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For McDaniels, receiving playing time seemed rare, as he spent the majority of the season in the G-League. McDaniels would have to wait until February to receive consistent playing time, as he then played in fourteen straight games.
After the NBA issued a hiatus of the regular season, McDaniels finished the season by averaging 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. McDaniels saw much of his success in the last thirteen games of the season.
As he received more playing time, McDaniels established himself has a consistent rebounder. In his last twelve games of the season, McDaniels finished six games with 6+ rebounds. McDaniels saw a lot of rebound opportunities, due to Coach James Borrego utilizing a small-ball lineup.
One of McDaniels’ most impressive qualities at the end of the season was his ability to consistently shoot from three. In his last fourteen games, McDaniels shot 39% from three-point range.
Toward the end of the season, McDaniels saw a surplus of playing time as well. In his last fourteen games, Coach Borrego let him play in seven games where he received 22+ minutes.
With McDaniels’ ability to score and rebound the basketball, Coach Borrego realized he earned more playing time. However, did the end of the season affect McDaniels’ development?
Heading into next season, McDaniels will be looking at more opportunities to play, as the team will need a backup behind PJ Washington and Cody Zeller. As of now, McDaniels is under contract until 2023, as he signed a multi-year deal in October.
Since McDaniels is locked up for the next few years, the team could look to develop him in “Summer League.” However, this could be known as “Fall League” if the NBA looks to do something for younger players later this year.
Fans can expect McDaniels to have a similar role on the team next season that matched his role in the last fourteen games of this season. McDaniels may not spend the majority of the season in the G-League like he did this year, as he earned a spot in the team’s rotation.
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The NBA has not laid out plans yet for how next season will be conducted, but the Charlotte Hornets could be looking at a December tip-off for next season. Will Jalen McDaniels’ consistent play carry over into next season?