By Edcel Panganiban June 13, 2024 21:19
Kevin "K. J." McDaniels Jr.,was veryunderrated player thathad a huge role in the NBA, but often went unnoticed in "The Process," of the Philadelphia Sixers.
Early Life and Career
As a sophom*ore forward for the Clemson Tigers McDaniels got his start, showing off his skills on a very specific court - his university.
He broke out as one of the best players in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in his junior year and averaged a monster 17.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and led the entire ACC in blocks per game (2.9).
On top of that, he won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award and was a First-team All-ACC.
NBA Draft & 76ers
McDaniels was selected in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft, 32nd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.
He made a quick impression as one of the Sixers' key reserve players almost from the jump and drew notice for his shot-blocking ability. In his rookie season, he posted his first career double-double by scoring a season-high 21 points with 13 rebounds against the Dallas Mavericks.
His tenure with the 76ers was brief, but he showed great promise before being traded to the Houston Rockets.
When he left the 76ers, it was part of the organization's transition and paved the way for the arrival of incoming future stars in Joel Embiid.
The Rockets and Beyond
McDaniels then spent time with the 76ers, Houston Rockets, and the Brooklyn Nets. Most recently, he briefly played for both the Grand Rapids Drive and the Oklahoma City Blue.
While his time in the NBA had its hiccups, be it injuries, and new teammates, McDaniels never gave up on playing professional ball.
As McDaniels' NBA trek was put on pause, he was given a chance to resuscitate his career in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL).
Legacy and Impact
McDaniels was also a significant part of the 76ers' trek through the start of "The Process", in 2015. His imprint, even if short-lived, set the foundation for The Process's ascension and the eventual rise to stardom from people like Joel Embiid.
It's a tale of the perseverance and flexibility that life out on the professional sports circuit demands.
So to sum up, the K. J. McDaniels college glorifies and permits him to be a potential international star that he always was on NCAA and NBA floors.
His unsung but effective career with the Philadelphia 76ers supports that and he has always shown a willingness to accept any challenge that has come his way.
While he continues to impress overseas, the career of the heralded talent that almost was is a testament to the unique tapestry of basketball lore that always hangs above the sport.
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