Sixers Notes: McDaniels, Embiid, Tucker, Reed

While Sixers forward Jalen McDaniels is enjoying his first playoff experience, he’s also working to improve his prospects in free agency, writes Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer. McDaniels reached the play-in tournament a couple of times during his three-and-a-half years with the Hornets, but he got his first opportunity with a contender when Philadelphia traded for him in February.

“That shows I can play at the highest level,” he said. “That I can compete with the best guys. I can stop them. I can get to my spots (on offense and) make plays. … If you play the right way, which I feel I always do, you’re going to stand out in some type of way. Someone’s going to want you, just because you play the right way. Philly came and got me from Charlotte, because they saw I was playing the right way and needed a little piece. … Now I’m on a playoff team. Now I can showcase my game in front of everybody that’s watching. Now everybody can see what’s up.”

That includes teams with cap space this summer who can use an athletic, 25-year-old three-and-D wing. McDaniels likes his new situation in Philadelphia, but he understands that he has the chance to land a big contract when he hits the free agent market.

“It just all depends on what (the Sixers) see from me,” McDaniels said, “and what I see for myself.”

There’s more from Philadelphia:

• The Sixers should find out more about Joel Embiid‘s availability for the start of their second-round series in the next day or so, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Embiid is scheduled to meet with his doctors to get an update on the sprained LCL in his right knee, and the team is being cautious as it awaits its next opponent. “He shot a little bit on the side, but not much movement,” coach Doc Rivers said following Wednesday’s practice. “No practice really.”
• P.J. Tucker‘s leadership qualities don’t ease up between games, Pompey adds. The Sixers took a gamble by giving a three-year contract to the 37-year-old forward, but he has provided a level of toughness that the team needed. “Today he got angry in practice because it was sloppy and he went off when nobody else did,” Rivers said. “Those are the things that people don’t (see). He just does so many things that are visible only to his team. And that’s why you brought him here.”
• The Sixers have engaged in extension talks with backup center Paul Reed, but he’s likely to test the market as a restricted free agent, Shams Charania of The Athletic states on FanDuel TV (video link).
• Philadelphia will be among the participants in the Salt Lake City Summer League, along with the Jazz, Grizzlies and Thunder, Pompey tweets. Games are set for July 3, 5 and 6.