The Pistons likely filled out their team by signing Javonte Green to the 14th spot on the roster. With rumors that the 15th spot is being kept open for Malik Beasley’s possible return, this move left the Pistons with no other open spots to fill. However, they still lack depth in some positions - especially power forward - and a player just got signed who would have filled that role.
Jalen McDaniels: Potential Depth at Power Forward
Jalen McDaniels was picked up on Monday by the New Orleans Pelicans, and he has the size to properly play the power forward position. McDaniels is 6-foot-9 compared to Green’s 6-foot-4, although Green’s athleticism and toughness allow him to guard bigger players.
McDaniels practically did not play at all last season, logging just seven total minutes across the entire season for the league-worst Washington Wizards. But he did have some utility earlier in this career. McDaniels spent his first three and a half seasons in Charlotte and became a serviceable player for the Hornets.
In his last season (2022-23) in Charlotte before being traded, McDaniels had worked his way up to 10.6 points per game in 26.7 minutes. He’s always been known as a good defender, and frequently had multiple steals and/or blocks in a single game.
McDaniels was then dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played a more limited role. However, his efficiency went up and he even shot 40 percent from three, albeit on low volume in his 24 games there.
However, McDaniels’ career has derailed in the last two seasons with miserable stops in Toronto and Washington. At the same time that his younger brother Jaden McDaniels has emerged as a key piece for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the older Jalen is fighting for his place in the NBA.
He still has the size and length that made him a promising defender earlier in his career. His offensive game has never really panned out, but he could be a solid signing at the end of the roster. His defense is sure to keep other players sharp in practice, which is a trait shared by Green.
Neither McDaniels or Green is likely to see many minutes next season, but McDaniels could be a better fit for a team lacking in depth at power forward. He is a more natural frontcourt defender with his size, but the Pistons ultimately opted for the more experienced Green.