Jalen McDaniels, a 27-year-old forward, has agreed to a contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, adding depth to their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. This move marks another chapter in McDaniels’ six-year NBA journey, which has seen him contribute to multiple teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and Washington Wizards.
Career Overview
Standing at 6’9″ and weighing 190 lbs, McDaniels was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 52nd pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Over his career, he has averaged 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game across 252 NBA appearances. His shooting efficiency stands at 44.9% from the field.
2025 Salary Details
In February 2025, McDaniels signed a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards valued at $139,391, with a cap hit of $119,972. The specifics of his new contract with the Pelicans have not been disclosed, but this signing reflects the team’s strategic move to bolster their forward depth.
2024–25 Season Performance
During the 2024–25 NBA season, McDaniels played four games for the Washington Wizards, averaging 1.8 minutes per game. In these appearances, he recorded a total of 0 points, 0 rebounds, and 0 assists. Prior to his brief stint with the Wizards, McDaniels spent the majority of the season with the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards’ G League affiliate, where he showcased his skills by averaging 13.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
Advanced Analytics
McDaniels’ advanced statistics highlight his efficiency and versatility:
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True Shooting Percentage (TS%): 57.3%
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Player Efficiency Rating (PER): 14.8
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Assist Percentage (AST%): 9.1%
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Rebound Percentage (REB%): 8.3%
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Usage Rate (USG%): 14.2%ESPN.com
These metrics underscore his capability to contribute across various facets of the game, making him a valuable asset to the Pelicans’ lineup.
Pelicans’ Strategic Move
The New Orleans Pelicans’ decision to sign McDaniels aligns with their strategy to enhance their roster depth. With one open standard spot on their regular season roster and approximately $4.2 million under the luxury tax line, the Pelicans have the flexibility to integrate McDaniels into their lineup without exceeding financial constraints.
Family Ties
Jalen McDaniels is the younger brother of Jaden McDaniels, a standout forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both brothers have made significant impacts in the NBA, showcasing their talents and contributing to their respective teams’ successes.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025–26 NBA season approaches, McDaniels’ signing with the Pelicans presents an opportunity for him to prove his value on a competitive team. His versatility and experience could play a crucial role in the Pelicans’ pursuit of a playoff spot. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how McDaniels integrates into the Pelicans’ system and whether he can capitalize on this new opportunity to further his NBA career.
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