Philadelphia 76ers rookie wing K.J. McDaniels blocked four shots in his team’s loss to DeMar DeRozan and the Toronto Raptors yesterday, pushing season-long average to an awesome 1.7 swats per game. And though the Clemson product had already provided multiple candidates for his personal block of the year leading up to Sunday’s contest, we’re pretty confident that none will top his volleyball spike of Greivis Vasquez’s layup attempt. Watch the 6-6 McDaniels come from the weak-side and show off incredible hang-time by aggressively swatting Vasquez’s shot high into the Air Canada Centre stands.
Flat-out nasty. This dude plays on the wing!
We’ve highlighted McDaniels on several occasions already this season, and will surely continue doing so as 2014-2015 wears on. It’s not too early to say that he’s basketball’s preeminent shot-blocker from the perimeter, and his aerial exploits on the other end are nearly just as impressive. Perhaps most encouraging for the Sixers, though, is McDaniels’ proficiency from beyond the arc.
The 21 year-old is currently a 42.1 percent three-point shooter via 2.7 tries per game – the former mark ranks second among all rookies. Not bad for a guy that mostly played power forward during his three seasons of college basketball.
As an early second-round pick, McDaniels has already proven a steal for Philly. And if he keeps up such unique and effective two-way play, the Sixers will surely be forced to pay-up to retain him this summer in restricted free agency. Considering the incredible strides he’s made over the past year and obvious potential going forward, we highly suggest they do so.
(GIF via rahbee 33) (Video via cjzerovids)
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