Top 5 In 2014: Breakout Performers in Philadelphia Sports (Slideshow)

Nov 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard K.J. McDaniels (14) dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the Wells Fargo Center. The Magic defeated the 76ers 91-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

5.) Shooting Guard K.J. McDaniels – 76ers

We kick off our countdown with a tangible justification for Sam Hinkie and his affinity for second round picks. Clemson’s K.J. McDaniels was taken with the first of the 76ers bounty of them on draft night this summer and, though he is trending somewhat down heading into the New Year, he has already established himself as one of the prize picks of the 2014 Draft.

McDaniels probably should not have lasted as long as he did on June 26, 2014. Despite a strong final season to cap a decorated career at Clemson, there were questions about McDaniels heading into the draft that almost certainly caused him to fall out of the first round. The Sixers selected him with the 2nd pick of the 2nd round (32nd overall). After failing to land one of the top-two picks in the draft via the lottery, the 76ers landed quite the consolation prize with the first of their second round selections.

McDaniels is instant excitement for a 76ers squad who is in desperate need of it. At 6’6″ and 200 lbs, he can body up four positions on the court and has the skill set and versatility to be a formidable weapon on the offensive end. On a team rich with athletes already, McDaniels stands out as the most explosive of the bunch. Between his highlight reel dunks and volleyball swat blocks, he was already a fixture on social media and SportsCenter before the Sixers were as a team for losing their first 17 games of the season.

Wait, there is more.

Last one, I swear.

McDaniels is not just a one-trick pony. He is 3rd in all rookies in scoring (9.6 ppg), 1st in blocks per game (1.63), and 5th in field goal percentage (.415). Were it not for a tough stretch in the weeks leading up to the end of 2014, McDaniels would have been higher in a multitude of categories.

Unfortunately, the 76ers are in a peculiar position when it comes to McDaniels considering his status as a rookie picked in the 2nd round. Gambling on himself, McDaniels opted to sign just a one-year rookie contract with Philadelphia which makes him eligible for restricted free agency at the end of 2014-2015. The Sixers will have a decision to make when it comes to McDaniels. Depending on how the rest of his season goes, it’s feasible that a team will throw an offer sheet at the Clemson product. Philadelphia has more cap room than any team in the league and can easily match any offer 10 times over, but this is a regime that has been thinking big picture since it took control. Whether it is because they do not want to succumb to the game of a 2nd year pro trying to fast-track his salary grade or they simply are not enamored enough with his game as it fits in their outlook for the team, it is very possible McDaniels will not be in Philadelphia at this time next season. For now, however, he has been an enjoyable bright spot on a 76ers team just now starting to figure some things out and win a couple of games. As a tip for the young man, no one in this league will ever take you seriously if you don’t get that mother of yours under control.