New York Knicks: Five options at power forward in 2020 NBA Draft

Jaden McDaniels, Washington Huskies

Washington Huskies standout Jaden McDaniels has as much upside as any power forward in this class—if not the most. He stands at 6’10” with a near 9’0″ standing reach, and has the combination of leaping ability and agility that makes way for clear defensive potential.

A versatile offensive player with the foundation in place to grow into a special two-way presence, McDaniels could be an All-Star—or, he could be a bust.

That much is true about every prospect, but McDaniels is a mixed bag. On one end, the positive aspects of his film show a player who can work with the ball in his hands in the open court, spot up for jump shots, and play above the rim, as well as defend multiple positions.

On the other end, McDaniels shot just 40.5 percent from the field and boasted averages of 3.2 turnovers and 3.3 personal fouls per game—accurate reflections of how raw his game is.

McDaniels should become a better shooter than his 33.9 percent mark from 3 suggests, as he’s already developed a solid stroke from the free throw line. He’s also displayed the potential to score at all three levels, with touch and footwork that most 19-year-old players simply don’t have.

McDaniels is a raw talent with skills that aren’t quite ready for the NBA, however, which means the New York Knicks would need to take considerable time to develop his abilities.

A Christian Wood type of prospect with tremendous upside and the equal probability that he never finds his place in the NBA, McDaniels is as polarizing as they come.