2014 NBA Mock Draft: An in-depth look at both rounds
By Joe Nardone
Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
25. Houston Rockets – K.J. McDaniels, SF, Clemson
H: 6′ 6″ W: 196 lbs DOB: 02/09/1993
2013-14 NCAA (36 GP) 17.1 PPG 7.1 RPG 1.6 APG 28.7 PER
The Rockets being dismantled in the first round of the playoffs showed off several of their weaknesses, but if ACC Defensive Player of the Year K.J. McDaniels is still on the board for their first round pick it’s a no-brainer. At this stage of the draft most of the wing players will be one-way players, and the Rockets don’t really need help scoring the ball as much as they need help, ANY help, stopping opposing teams from scoring against them.
It seems as if Chandler Parsons could be on his way out, and with James Harden and Dwight Howard both commanding the ball to be their most effective on the offensive end, a selfless defender/major energy guy like McDaniels could be the starting small forward for them immediately.
Although he averaged over 17 points per game his final season in college, I wouldn’t expect him to do much scoring as he isn’t the greatest shooter, but he’s extremely athletic, a great rebounder for a wing player, and can get to the free throw line and convert at an efficient rate. — Jared