Jaden McDaniels is becoming such a lockdown pest on defense that opposing players are telling him to chill.
In an interview with Stadium’s Shams Charania, McDaniels talked about his elite defensive skills, getting respect from players around the league and why he should be on the NBA All-Defensive Team this season.
Here’s a breakdown of McDaniels’ interview with Charania:
On being called the best perimeter defender in the league:
"It makes me feel good and I do believe it. From those guys being in the league so long, me having respect for them and what they've done to the game, that's just a plus to the work that I've put in over the three years I've been in the NBA. Just being able to watch them guys as I was younger, for them to say those things is kind of eye-opening. It's made me feel good about myself."
On his defensive mindset:
“I kinda go into it just making it difficult for them. I know they’re gonna make shots. Everyone’s good. They’re NBA players. So just trying to make it as tough as possible. For me, one thing defensively, I gotta always contest the shots. Just me coming in with that competitive mindset and trying to make it tough for them that night.”
On his favorite matchup this year:
“I feel like I did a great job on Jamal Murray. During a game, I had blocked like 3 or 4 of his jumpers and he gave me a comment, ‘Bro you gotta stop blocking my jumpers.’ Either him or the first time we played Memphis against Ja [Morant]. I think I did a great job with the scout and just making it hard for him.”
On players like Paul George praising his defense:
"It's just them starting to be on notice. I've guarded them or played them so many times, they finally know now. I feel like it's a respect thing."
On possibility of making an All-Defensive Team:
“I feel like I should be on there, and if I’m not...I don’t know who does the votes, they must be crazy.”
On his goals at the start of season:
“We were making goals before training camp. Be Defensive Player of the Year or make first or second team All-Defensive. I feel like I’m doing good at what I said, keeping my word.”
On goals for rest of season:
“For team wise, making it to the playoffs and getting further than we did last year. The playoff atmosphere is something I don’t want to miss. I want to keep that streak alive.
“For myself, for years to come, get in the All-Star game, being in Most Improved Player [conversation] and continuing to rack up defensive awards.”
