3 bold takes after encouraging Raptors preseason win vs. Kings
By Mike Luciano
2. Jalen McDaniels needs to play 25 minutes a game
The Raptors let just about every player on the roster get a brief glimpse of playing time, but McDaniels was one of the first to get in the game. A perfect Ujiri-type player who made his money in this league with switching and defense, McDaniels looks like a viable two-way player who can fit in this offense.
The former Philadelphia 76ers wing finished with 11 points on 4-5 shooting with four rebounds in 16 minutes. Sacramento’s vaunted offense from last year scored just 99 points in this game, and McDaniels showing the versatility and high IQ on that end were two of the main reasons the Kings couldn’t sustain their hot start.
Jalen McDaniels must play a role with the Toronto Raptors.
McDaniels’ shooting ability is the subject of much discussion. While he showed some potential in that area with the Hornets, his 3-point percentage increase with the 76ers came on limited volume in a reduced role. He’ll need to shoot well if he wants to maintain his role in the rotation.
Should he do that, it will be easy to envision McDaniels as a younger, more athletic upgrade over the injured Otto Porter Jr. After being stuck in basketball Siberia known as Charlotte, McDaniels could thrive in a new role with a coach hell-bent on working with young players like him.