Back to the Houston Rockets Newsfeed

K.J. McDaniels' role expanding to defending point guards

CLEVELAND -- After using K.J. McDaniels to defend at point guard in the Rockets' small lineup, Rockets interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said he evisions his second-year forward playing a similar role more regularly down the stretch this season, likely starting tonight against the Cavaliers.

"He's a versatile defender," Bickerstaff said. "His speed, his quickness, his athleticism -- and he's gotten better at it. He understands now keeping guys in front of him, the positioning and not just relying on his athleticism to make plays at the basket because guys are such good finishers.

"Now, he does a phenomenal job of stopping guys, closing them out and keeping them in front of him.