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DeAndre Daniels: Back To Fight For A Spot

By Joshua Howe

Apr 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward DeAndre Daniels (2) celebrates after defeating Florida Gators 63-53 in the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward DeAndre Daniels (2) celebrates after defeating Florida Gators 63-53 in the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last season, the Toronto Raptors shocked the world by drafting none other than the Brazilian Kevin Durant, Bruno Caboclo. But it’s easy to forget that they also drafted a second player, a to-be-wing named DeAndre Daniels.

Daniels spent last season in Australia, getting stronger and making the transition from playing power forward (which he played at Connecticut) to small forward (which he’ll play in the NBA). The league he played in so far away from home is one that features many former NCAA players and so there was lots of high-level competition around to help him to continue to improve.

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He played for a team called the Wildcats, and averaged 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.0 block through 30 total games.

Daniels will be fighting for a roster spot again this summer, and with a year of professional ball under his belt it will be far likelier that he’s picked for the squad. He’s already been working with fellow young guns Lucas Nogueira and Caboclo ever since he returned to Toronto.

Last summer, Daniels impressed. He shot 10-for-21 from the floor over two strong games, in which he tallied 12 points and five boards in the first, and then went on to produce 16 points, six rebounds and two steals in the second.

He’s worth keeping around, to say the least.

Now this year, he’s hoping that he’ll look something like Jonas Valanciunas did for the Raptors the last time he was in Summer League (where he won the MVP). If he can put forth consistent numbers each game and show a powerful level of commitment to the defensive end, Toronto could use him on the squad.

Daniels is 6’9” with long arms. Getting him adjusted to the NBA game from here on out is a great idea if he performs well at Summer League. He has the body-type to be a good defender, and we’ve seen that he’s aggressive and will attack the bucket.

He can also shoot. Even last summer, over those same two games mentioned, Daniels made 4-10 of his attempts from beyond the arc. He provides spacing, effort, hustle and a solid work ethic. He just sounds like the type of guy who will be on the team come October.

The Raps will be making moves and significant changes this summer that will likely leave the roster a shade different than it currently is. There are a number of contracts that will be up and some players who simply won’t be brought back.

Right now, James Johnson is backing up Terrence Ross at the small forward spot. Johnson had a good season, and his defense was a must-have. Ross may get traded, but Daniels certainly won’t be starting for Toronto.

He could also back up DeMar DeRozan if need be. Thankfully, his size makes him easy to switch between the two wing positions.

Indeed, he will get very little playing time if he makes the club. But he could easily replace someone like Landry Fields, who barely played any minutes for the Raps this season anyway. Like Bruno and Bebe before him, this coming season will be about learning.

But to get to that point, he’s got to make the team first. All eyes will be watching him at the Summer League, especially mine. Here’s hoping he gives Raptors fans something to get excited about.

Next: LaMarcus Aldridge: Top 5 Free Agency Destinations

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