PHILADELPHIA–When one comes to a new team, it can be tough for that player to gain a comfort level. There are new plays that player has to learn, new schemes, new teammates, and everything can be overwhelming.
For new Philadelphia 76ers forward Jalen McDaniels, he felt everything hit him early, but after that first day, he has been able to find a comfort level with his new team after the deadline deal.
“Honestly, the first day was just a lot, but now I feel comfortable,” said McDaniels after Monday’s win over the Houston Rockets. “Now I’m just out there hoping. I’ve been going to the gym. I met everybody so it’s been pretty good. It’s been a good experience, honestly.”
McDaniels had eight points, five rebounds, and three assists off the bench on Monday and he continues to earn the trust of his teammates. James Harden found him on a triple in the fourth quarter and Tyrese Maxey threw him a lob that was just out of his reach. It slipped through his hands as everybody continues to learn each other.
“Me just being the player I am just cutting and just running, those opportunities are just gonna present themselves,” McDaniels added. “I gotta finish those so they can be more trustworthy to throw it, but it’s the second game out there. Just getting a feel for everything, but it’s been good so far.”
In terms of the 3-point shot, there have been questions about whether McDaniels would be the guy the Sixers need in that respect. So far, he has hit both of his 3-point looks through two games and he trusts the work he has put in on the shot.
“I’m comfortable everywhere,” he stated. “The 3-point break, I’ve been working on it so much. I know I can hit the 3-ball at a good clip. So I’m not worried about if I miss a few. That’s what comes with it so I just gotta stay in the gym and keep grinding.”
McDaniels will have one more game before the All-Star break on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers before being able to have some time off to learn how everything works with the Sixers.
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