Doc Rivers Highlights Jalen McDaniels' Impact on Sixers

Hours before the trade deadline closed, the Philadelphia 76ers partook in a three-way trade with the Portland Trailblazers and Charlotte Hornets, sending Matisse Thybulle to the Western Conference and receiving Jalen McDaniels along with a few picks in exchange.

The trade seemed to be a simple forward for forward swap between the two sides, with Sixers' head coach Doc Rivers excited to have Mcdaniels' height to work with in the closing segment of the season.

Recently, Rivers has touched on other strengths that the 25-year-old brings to the team on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.

"He has been wonderful in a lot of ways, defense, rebounding, cuts, finishing, he's really good with the ball in the middle of the floor," Rivers told reporters.

In Philadelphia's win over the Milwaukee Bucks late last week, the team sustained injuries to two of their most prominent forwards, Tobias Harris and PJ Tucker.

McDaniels was the first option for Rivers to go to, but even when his competitors are healthy, he doesn't shy away from the competition for more playing time, according to the Sixers' head coach.

"He's a baller, he's up for the challenge, enjoys it, you can see the pressure is nothing," explained Rivers "He just wants to play, he likes playing, and he likes competition, that's been really good for us."

As a result of receiving these extra minutes and an increased role, his teammates have started to find him on the court, realizing his offensive strengths, helping him score 20 points against Indiana on Monday night.

"They recognize what he can do. James hit him on a long court pass, on one of those undercuts, they're starting to look for him because they know he can catch, they know he can finish, so it's been good for him," the head coach finished.

Declan Harris contributes to All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him on Twitter: @DecIanH.

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