Daryl Morey Explains What Jalen McDaniels Brings to Sixers

With Jalen McDaniels joining the Sixers, Daryl Morey explains what the veteran brings to the table.

The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t make any high-profile blockbuster deals before the trade deadline this time around, but they were able to strike a deal hours before the market closed.

By sending out the veteran defensive standout Matisse Thybulle, along with a second-round pick, the Sixers acquired two second-round picks and the veteran wing Jalen McDaniels from the Charlotte Hornets.

On Friday, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey addressed the media for the first time since making the deal.

“Very excited about what he can bring here,” said Morey. “A big theme of our season this year was to prepare for the playoffs and the championship. As you guys know, we wanted to make sure we gave Doc as many two-way players as possible. We think Jalen is one of the up-and-coming solid defenders and gives us somebody that's a little easier to keep on the floor in a lot of matchups. We like what he brings, and we're excited.” 

Mentioning playoffs, Morey had the address the elephant in the room, which is the fact that the Sixers traded away a guy with 28 games of postseason experience over the last three seasons for a player that has yet to log a minute in the postseason.

“It's part of the overall picture, we looked at all options for the team, and we really think Jalen is sort of a hidden gem, you know, a little bit hidden,” Morey explained. “Sometimes, when teams struggle that much. There are players in there that, you know, really just need an opportunity to show what they can do on a better team. And we feel like Jalen is a player like that. And obviously, we'll see how he plays down the stretch going into the playoffs.”

On paper, it’s apparent that the Sixers are getting a more productive player on the offensive end of the floor. In 56 games this season, McDaniels averaged 11 points per game while draining 45 percent of his shots from the field. 

While he doesn’t have the same defensive accolades as Thybulle, Morey doesn’t seem to believe there will be a steep drop-off. 

“I think he's what every playoff team is looking for, which is, you know, especially with offensive firepower we have, is a long, athletic defender,” he explained. “We felt like, on defense, he’s gritty and can run the floor in transition. And then, offensively, I know Doc was talking to him; the game will be a lot easier for him. A lot of his shots were very difficult playing with a team, and with Joel and James, you know, both bring attention and great passing, the offensive side will be a lot easier for him.”

As with most trades, the Sixers landed McDaniels on an expiring contract. At the end of the 2022-2023 season, the former Hornet is set to become an unrestricted free agent. While he could turn out to be a rental if things don’t work out — or he desires a new home — Morey is confident that there is a chance McDaniels returns to the Sixers beyond this season. 

“I think he's got starter potential,” he finished. “We'd like to, obviously, have a great run, help us win a championship this year and then re-sign him. We have his bird rights and re-sign him and hopefully continue it here. I do think he's someone, given his size and athleticism, he has everything we need. Someone we can build around going forward.”

McDaniels won’t debut for the Sixers on Friday night against the New York Knicks, as the four-team deal is currently still pending. With a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday looming, there is a chance McDaniels could get the nod to play.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

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