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Knicks Trade Rumors: Best Available Defensive Players

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) dribbles the ball past Philadelphia 76ers guard Hollis Thompson (31) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) dribbles the ball past Philadelphia 76ers guard Hollis Thompson (31) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

K.J. McDaniels, Houston Rockets

Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 23 (2/9/1993)
Experience: 3rd Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .424/.292/.875
2016-17 Season Averages: 8.9 MPG, 3.0 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 0.3 3PM

One would be in the right to argue that K.J. McDaniels is more of an upside player than one with proven ability. He turned heads with his individual defense in 2014-15, but has been unable to find consistent playing time in the two seasons that have followed.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN, McDaniels is the most likely member of the Houston Rockets to be moved at the NBA Trade Deadline.

"[Houston] might be in the market for a big man or another shooter, and swingman K.J. McDaniels has become the most likely Rockets player to be dealt, per Stein, citing sources."

The appeal in trading for McDaniels would be the low cost of the move and the upside that it would come with.

McDaniels is a 6’6″ swingman with a 6’11” wingspan and borderline elite athleticism. His offensive game is limited, but he has no trouble playing above the rim and would be of aid to Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings in transition.

It’s on the other end of the floor that the 2014 ACC Defensive Player of the Year provides his true value, however, which is why the Knicks make some measure of sense.

McDaniels can defend shooting guards and small forwards due to his size, length, and range on defense. He’s also a surprisingly productive shot-blocker who has a career average of 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes.

For as intriguing as McDaniels’ upside may be, there are better options for the Knicks to consider if a defensive player is the target.

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