Jalen Marquis McDaniels is an American professional basketball player currently with the NBA's Toronto Raptors. His college basketball career was at San Diego State University. Jalen is the elder brother of Jaden McDaniels, who also plays basketball professionally.
January 31, 1998: Birth of Jalen McDaniels
Jalen Marquis McDaniels was born on January 31, 1998. He is an American professional basketball player.
2016: High School Career and State Championship
In 2016, Jalen McDaniels finished his senior season at Federal Way High School, where he was ranked the 98th best prospect in his class. He earned a spot on the Associated Press Washington state Class 4A first-team and led his team to an undefeated season, culminating in a Class 4A state championship.
2016: Redshirts at SDSU
Jalen McDaniels redshirted his first year at San Diego State University in the 2016-2017 season.
2017: Freshman Season at SDSU
Jalen McDaniels played his freshman season at SDSU in 2017, averaging 10.5 points per game and starting in 21 out of 33 games.
February 19, 2018: Mountain West Player of the Week
On February 19, 2018, Jalen McDaniels was named the Mountain West player of the week during his freshman season.
March 2018: Declares for NBA Draft but Returns to SDSU
In March 2018, Jalen McDaniels declared for the NBA draft but ultimately withdrew his name in May, opting to return to San Diego State University.
March 2019: Declares for the NBA Draft
In March 2019, Jalen McDaniels declared for the NBA draft after averaging 15.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in his sophomore year. He was also invited to the NBA Draft Combine.
October 10, 2019: Signs with the Charlotte Hornets
Jalen McDaniels signed with the Charlotte Hornets after being drafted as the 52nd overall pick. This marked the beginning of his professional NBA career.
October 25, 2019: NBA Debut
Jalen McDaniels made his NBA debut for the Charlotte Hornets on October 25, 2019, in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He started his career coming off the bench.
2019: Civil Suits and Admission of Guilt
In 2019, Jalen McDaniels faced two civil lawsuits alleging that he secretly filmed two underage girls engaging in sexual acts without their consent while he was a high school student. He admitted to the allegations in court, issued an apology, and faced no further legal consequences.
March 9, 2020: Season-High 11 Points
On March 9, 2020, Jalen McDaniels achieved a season-high score of 11 points while playing for the Greensboro Swarm, the Charlotte Hornets' G League affiliate, in a game against the Atlanta Hawks.
April 7, 2021: Season-High 21 Points
On April 7, 2021, Jalen McDaniels achieved a season-high of 21 points in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, contributing to the Hornets' victory.
October 27, 2021: Season-High 16 Points
Jalen McDaniels scored a season-high 16 points in a game against the Orlando Magic on October 27, 2021, helping the Hornets secure a win.
January 16, 2023: Career-High 26 Points
Jalen McDaniels set a new career-high score on January 16, 2023, by scoring 26 points in a game against the Boston Celtics, despite the Hornets' loss.
February 9, 2023: Traded to the Philadelphia 76ers
Jalen McDaniels was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a four-team trade on February 9, 2023, marking a significant shift in his NBA career.
July 6, 2023: Signs with the Toronto Raptors
On July 6, 2023, Jalen McDaniels signed a multi-year contract with the Toronto Raptors, continuing his journey in the NBA.