Screen Shot 2014-06-26 at 11.14.20 PM.png

KJ McDaniels of Clemson walks across the stage after being drafted by the Sixers.

((William Perlman/Star-Ledger))

NEW YORK -- The Sixers finally took a player who might play.

After taking injured center Joel Embiid and Croatian forward Dario Saric -- who won't come over for two seasons -- the Sixers selected forward K.J. McDaniels of Clemson with the 32nd overall pick on Thursday night.

McDaniels, 6-foot-6, 200 pounds, was projected to go in the late-first round. Known for his defense, McDaniels averaged 17.1 and 7.1 rebounds last season.

"I'm gonna go out there, play my hardest, and give Philly my best," said McDaniels.

Although he does not bring the offensive game the Sixers need, he is a versatile swingman that can help the Sixers out on defense.

McDaniels was sitting the crowd when he was selected, and took the stage to standing ovation.

Here is a little bit more information about McDaniels, via NBADraft.net:

Positives: KJ is obviously an outstanding athlete; he can jump really easily off two feet or of one without any difference. In the last year he finally used this gift to become one of the best rebounders in his conference while only 6'6 ... He is particularly dangerous on the offensive glass, where if he doesn't have a body on him he knows how to get the crowd involved with spectacular tip dunks ... Transition is another area where he shines, both as a ball handler or runner on the wing, when he has the ball and there is nobody in his lane he goes strong to the basket, very often making the right decision ... When he is off the ball in transition he's often catching lobs and alley-oops

Weaknesses: His biggest weakness right now is still his offensive game ... His shot is getting better, particularly his 3 pointer with his feet set, but when defenders run him off the line he has a very poor pull up shooting and his decision making is highly questionable ... Needs to develop a mid-range game and learn how to finish around the rim ... Right now when he gets to the rim but can't dunk, he struggles to finish, especially with his left hand ... Seems to suffer a lot when defenders get into his body, which raises some questions about his attitude to fight and be strong during a physical game

Follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks