A power forward with a lot of potential and versatility in college hoops and in the NBA is a native of Federal Way, WA, and is a former five-star power forward recruit Jaden McDaniels. Any 6-foot-9 forward that has two-way potential like McDaniels does and is improving his elusiveness and shooting ability as much as he is within the past 12-18 months should make NBA scouts salivate.
Few prospects that hail from that part of the country get attention from as many notable college basketball programs as McDaniels did. He also very much delayed his commitment decision and was the last major top 10 rated 2019 recruit in the nation to sign his National Letter of Intent after committing to join the Huskies.
How far McDaniels rises up draft boards really falls on two factors. The first is where he fits in positionally with Washington. If he proves that he can excel as a stretch-four in multiple aspects of his game along with continuing to improve his offensive arsenal, he’ll skyrocket up draft boards next year.
The fit I have here in this 2020 NBA Mock Draft falls with the Miami Heat, who desperately need big help. The Heat now could build around Russell Westbrook, if they’re able to pull off a trade with the Thunder to land him, and former Philadelphia 76ers star wing Jimmy Butler. McDaniels could be the next step in that movement.