Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels has been playing at a high level
Jaden McDaniels didn’t start the 2021-22 season off on the right foot, but over the last two months, he’s played a key role in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ success.
The former first-round pick exceeded expectations last year and entered this season with an even higher ceiling.
However, 10 games into the season, Chris Finch decided it was better for him to come off the bench.
- Starter: 25 G, 27.3 MPG, 7.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 42.9 FG%, 26.1 3P%, 85.0 FT%
- Reserve: 35 G, 24.8 MPG, 9.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 46.2 FG%, 33.6 3P%, 77.5 FT%
McDaniels has played fewer minutes as a reserve, but he’s increased his points per game because he’s been a more efficient shooter. Moving forward, he should be Timberwolves’ 6th man.
He has the talent level to eventually become a starter, but right now that’s asking for too much.
McDaniels monthly splits:
- October: 3.2 PPG, 29.2 FG%, 14.3 3P%
- November: 7.1 PPG, 44.4 FG%, 30.8 3P%, 63.6 FT%
- December: 10.7 PPG, 41.2 FG%, 26.8 3P%, 93.8 FT%
- January: 9.5 PPG, 48.3 FG%, 34.0 3P%, 69.2 FT%
- February: 11.5 PPG, 50.0 FG%, 36.0 3P%, 84.2 FT%
- March: 8.0 PPG, 37.5 FG%, 25.0 3P%, 1.000 FT%
After the All-Star break, the Timberwolves opened up their first four games against some pretty tough opponents. I predicted Minnesota to go 0-4 out of the gate, but to my surprise, they went 3-1.
The Timberwolves had three big wins over the Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. A large reason they were able to defeat those two really good teams was because of McDaniels.
Here’s a look at his last five games:
- Toronto Raptors (2/16): 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6-13 FG, 1-7 3P
- Memphis Grizzlies (2/24): 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2-3 FG, 1-2 3P
- Philadelphia 76ers (2/25): 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5-11 FG, 0-4 3P
- Cleveland Cavaliers (2/28): 17 points, 3 rebounds, 6-9 FG, 5-7 3P
- Golden State Warriors (3/1): 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3-8 FG, 1-4 3P
McDaniels is a player who plays better when his confidence is high. At the beginning of the season, you could see that he wasn’t confident. Right now, he’s catching and popping without any hesitation.
One thing he does need to improve is his foul rate. He’s currently fourth in the NBA in total fouls (199). The only three players ahead of him are Jae’Sean Tate, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Karl-Anthony Towns.
McDaniels has played far fewer minutes than those other guys.
He’s only 21 years old and is a good defender, but McDaniels tends to foul too much. He’s been in foul trouble (four or more) in 46.7 percent of games and fouled out in seven.
That’s going to need to change if he wants to have an impact on games. Minnesota will need him on the floor come playoff time, so learning how to defend without fouling will be key.
McDaniels didn’t have a great start to the season, but over the last two months, he’s been slowly heating up. He’s played a large role in the Timberwolves’ 34-29 record and will be a key factor in the playoffs.
