2014 NBA Mock Draft: An in-depth look at both rounds
By Joe Nardone
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
43. Atlanta Hawks – DeAndre Daniels, SF, Connecticut
H: 6′ 8″ W: 196 lbs DOB: 04/15/1992
2013-14 NCAA (38 GP) 13.1 PPG 6.0 RPG 0.4 APG 20.4 PER
It may have taken him a few seasons to show his upside, but DeAndre Daniels was fantastic his Junior season for the National Champion UConn Huskies, and he’ll reap the benefits of his NCAA Tournament performance this week when he’s drafted in the second round.
Daniels possess the perfect size and athleticism for an NBA small forward, and shooting 42-percent from three this past season solidified that he has enough of a perimeter game to make up for his weak handles and below average passing ability. On the flip side, Daniels isn’t a lock down defender, but he’s shown that he can be a very diverse one, being able to guard undersized bigs and perimeter players alike, as his length (7-foot-2 winspan) and timing combine to frustrate whoever he’s assigned to.
Daniels definitely has role player potential at the next level, and if he’s able to develop like he did last season over the next few years, he could potentially be a starter in this league. — Jared