Bio

Xavier McDaniel boasts one of the greatest nicknames in Sonics history; the X-Man, or simply X. The Sonics selected the highly-touted McDaniel out of Wichita State with the 4th overall pick in the 1985 NBA draft. During his senior season with the Shockers, McDaniel averaged over 27 points per game to lead the NCAA.

McDaniel was a day-one contributor for Seattle. The X-Man put together arguably the greatest rookie season in Sonics history outside of Kevin Durant. He finished 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting (the great Patrick Ewing finished 1st) while averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds. As a rookie, X started 80 games for the Sonics and averaged 33 minutes per game. Over his 5 full seasons in Seattle, McDaniel averaged almost 21 points per game to go along with an All-Star selection in 1988.

McDaniel was a member of the Sonics’ “Big 3” of the late 1980’s, along with Dale Ellis and Tom Chambers. They remain the only trio in NBA history to each average at least 23 points per game in the same season (1987). That year, the X-Man averaged 23 points and 8.6 rebounds per game as the Sonics made an impassioned run to the Western Conference Finals.  

X will always be remembered for his physical, tone-setting style of play. A renowned defender and energy player, McDaniel was the ultimate enforcer and anchored all of his teams with his toughness. The X-Man could do it all – score, run, rebound, and defend. He remains a favorite amongst Sonics fans to this day.