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New York Knicks: Under The Radar Free Agents To Consider

By Maxwell Ogden

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 24: KJ McDaniels #14 of the Brooklyn Nets collides with Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards after dunking during the second half at Verizon Center on March 24, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 24: KJ McDaniels #14 of the Brooklyn Nets collides with Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards after dunking during the second half at Verizon Center on March 24, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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K.J. McDaniels

Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 24 (2/9/1993)
Experience: 3 Seasons
2016-17 Slash Line: .456/.303/.842
2016-17 Season Averages: 10.3 MPG, 4.2 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 0.4 3PM

If defense is the top priority, then it would behoove the New York Knicks to give K.J. McDaniels a look. It’s not necessarily a game-changing move on the surface, but signing McDaniels could be an excellent way to build a healthier culture.

McDaniels may not offer much on the offensive end of the floor, but there’s no denying how intriguing he is on defense.

McDaniels is a 6’6″ swingman with a 6’11.25″ wingspan, an explosive vertical leap, and generally above-average athleticism. He’s proven himself as a shot-blocker, and has improved his ability to make plays in the passing lanes, as well.

That much was proven when McDaniels averaged 14.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.3 blocks, and 1.4 3-point field goals made per 36 minutes in 2016-17.

Beyond the numbers, McDaniels has earned the reputation of a proficient on-ball defender. He’ll need to improve the consistency with which he performs, but head coach Jeff Hornacek needs a perimeter player who can defend at a high level.

If the Knicks manage to help McDaniels tap into his potential, he could be a Thabo Sefolosha type of young player to develop long-term in the orange and blue.