K.J. McDaniels: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent SF

Free-agent small forward K.J. McDaniels is inching toward finding a new home, according to LibertyBallers.com's Jake Pavorsky:

McDaniels is coming off a rookie season in the NBA where the Philadelphia 76ers traded him 52 games in to the Houston Rockets.

After averaging 25.5 minutes per game with 9.2 points in Philadelphia, McDaniels did not see the court much after his arrival in Houston. In 10 games, he averaged just 3.3 minutes and 1.1 points.

The New Orleans Pelicans currently have seven players on their roster listed as free agents, with just one of them, Dante Cunningham, listed as a small forward. 

McDaniels is versatile enough to play both small forward and shooting guard, though he showed in his rookie season that his offensive game needs a lot of work. He shot just 39.6 percent from the field and 28.7 percent from three-point range.    

Defense is more of his forte and could help an already-solid Pelicans defense—especially on the wings—that was ranked 11th in the NBA last season, allowing 98.6 points per game.

He'll be able to provide depth and come off the bench for the likes of Tyreke Evans and Cunningham if he re-signs with the team, as the Pelicans are using a young core to build a playoff contender in the Western Conference. 

Last season, the Pelicans made the playoffs for the first time since the 2010-11 season, with a 45-37 record. The Golden State Warriors swept them in the first round. But New Orleans has its franchise centerpiece in Anthony Davis, and finding a supporting cast to help build the organization is vital, especially under new head coach Alvin Gentry. 

Stats courtesy of ESPN.com.