Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about Xavier McDaniel, a former NBA player:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Xavier Maurice McDaniel
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on June 4, 1963
  • Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm)
  • Weight: 205 pounds (93 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 8 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 15 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 34, 31, and 20
  • Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
  • High School: A.C. Flora High School in Columbia, South Carolina
  • College: Wichita State University (1981–1985)
  • NBA Draft: Selected in the 1st round (4th overall pick) in the 1985 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics
  • Teams Played For:
    • Seattle SuperSonics (1985–1990)
    • Phoenix Suns (1990–1991)
    • New York Knicks (1991–1992)
    • Boston Celtics (1992–1995)
    • New Jersey Nets (1995–1996)
  • Championship Rings: None in the NBA
  • Kids: At least one son, Xavier McDaniel Jr., who also played college basketball
  • Siblings: Not publicly available

Player Archetype / Play Style

Xavier McDaniel’s player archetype was that of a physical scoring forward, the kind of aggressive wing-forward hybrid who could bully smaller defenders, attack from the mid-post, and bring real edge on both ends. At 6-foot-7 and 205 pounds, he had the build and strength to play through contact, and his defensive role fit that rugged identity as a hard-nosed frontcourt stopper who used toughness and competitiveness more than finesse. Offensively, McDaniel operated as a slashing and post-oriented scorer who could create pressure inside the arc, rebound his position, and carry meaningful scoring volume, which matched the 20-plus-point production he delivered during his best Seattle seasons. Overall, his play style blended physicality, rebounding, face-up scoring, and intimidation, making him one of the more confrontational and forceful forwards of his era. (nba.com)

Notes:

Sources:

NBA.com — Xavier McDaniel | Forward | NBA.com
Basketball-Reference — Xavier McDaniel Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
Sonics Forever — Xavier McDaniel
Basketball Network — Xavier McDaniel describes the physicality and toughness of the NBA in the 80s and 90s
Basketball Network — Xavier McDaniel on the mentality that made him a great rebounder