The Minnesota Timberwolves need more Jaden McDaniels

The Minnesota Timberwolves are off to a 1-0 start – but the biggest hole on the roster is very clearly the power forward position.

The Minnesota Timberwolves used the 28th overall selection on Washington forward Jaden McDaniels – a long-term project that could eventually become a scorer from the power forward position. Currently at the four spot, the Timberwolves have both Jake Layman and Juan Hernangomez – and to put it lightly, they cannot deliver the goods.

The Timberwolves have lots of young talent on the current roster, and McDaniels is not someone that should be expected to contribute right away – but he at least could be given minutes over what the alternative currently is.

Jake Layman, at least, offers another skill outside of spacing the floor, but when Hernangomez’s shot is not falling, he does not offer any other skill that would keep him even remotely playable. McDaniels has a long, wirey frame with enough shooting to replicate what either of those players give in a short stint of minutes.

Of course, though, not much should be expected of McDaniels – at least as a rookie. But if Minnesota can find a way to maximize his minutes either alongside Karl-Anthony Towns or among the second unit, things might look much better at the four than they currently are.

In the preseason, McDaniels appeared in three separate games – and did not score a single point (he only took two shots over the course of the entire set of games). He is not going to start for you as a rookie – and no one should expect him to. But if there is a way to at least see what he can offer you in limited minutes, Ryan Saunders should absolutely explore that – especially given the lack of talent at the power forward position.

Regardless, the Timberwolves should seek out trade opportunities to add more talent to the roster. If both Rosas and Saunders are serious about pursuing a playoff spot, getting a starting (or even rotational) caliber four is necessary.