Jalen McDaniels

Lore & Background

Born in Seattle, Washington but a native of Federal Way, Washington, McDaniels attended Federal Way High School, where he also played football. He was ranked as the 98th best prospect in the class of 2016. He was named an Associated Press Washington state Class 4A first-team selection after averaging 19 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots in his senior season. Federal Way finished the season undefeated with a record of 29-0 and won the Class 4A state championship. He red-shirted the 2016–2017 season at San Diego State. On February 19, 2018, he was named the Mountain West player of the week. In his freshman season he averaged 10.5 points in 24.7 minutes per game. In March 2018, he submitted paperwork for early entry into the 2018 NBA draft but had yet to hire an agent. In May, he worked out for the Cleveland Cavaliers. On May 30, McDaniels officially withdrew his name from the NBA draft and returned to SDSU less than 90 minutes before the deadline. As a sophomore, McDaniels averaged 15.9 points per game and led the team in rebounding with 8.3 rebounds per game. In March 2019, he declared for the 2019 NBA draft. He was one of 66 players invited to the NBA Draft Combine. He was selected with the 52nd overall draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets. On October 10, 2019, he signed with the Hornets. On October 19, the contract was converted to a two-way contract, and the next day, he signed a multi-year contract. On October 25, 2019, McDaniels made his NBA debut. He was assigned to the Greensboro Swarm. On March 9, 2020, McDaniels scored a season-high 11 points. On April 7, 2021, he recorded a season-high 21 points. On October 27, 2021, he scored a season-high 16 points. On December 27, he again scored 16 points. On January 16, 2023, McDaniels scored a career-high 26 points. On February 9, 2023, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a four-team trade. On February 11, he made his 76ers debut. On July 6, 2023, the Toronto Raptors signed McDaniels to a multi-year contract. On June 28, 2024, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings. However, on October 16, after appearing in two preseason games for the Kings, McDaniels was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, but was waived shortly after. On November 22, 2024, he signed with the Memphis Hustle and was traded the next day to the Capital City Go-Go.

Reader's Guide

Jalen McDaniels is a forward who played for the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards in the NBA. He was drafted 52nd overall in 2019. His career NBA averages are 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He currently plays for the Kobe Storks in Japan.

Did You Know?

• He is the older brother of Minnesota Timberwolves player Jaden McDaniels.
• He signed with the Kobe Storks of the Japanese B.League on July 29, 2026.