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Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels was a better pick than Obi Toppin

By Dylan Jackson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 31: Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks during the game at Target Center on March 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Knicks 102-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 31: Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks during the game at Target Center on March 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Knicks 102-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Timberwolves, Jaden McDaniels
Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball against Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels was a better pick than Obi Toppin because of his defensive versatility.

Jaden McDaniels has been a shockingly good defender at the NBA level, especially given how poor of a defender he was at the college level.

For the Timberwolves, he is a lengthy forward that can switch, defend on the perimeter, and block shots inside. While, yes, there’s still a long way to go, McDaniels is already providing what the team needs on the defensive end going forward – a versatile, long forward that can play next to anyone. He is a true 3-and-D player.

Obi Toppin, however, has not been horrendous on that end, either. Coached by Tom Thibodeau, Toppin has made strides from where he was at Dayton, but he can still show stiffness at times – and isn’t really near where McDaniels is on that end of the floor.

The Knicks have been one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, and Toppin has been getting roughly ten minutes per game on that team. While he hasn’t had the rookie season many expected (he was one of the favorites for the Rookie of the Year award before the season started), he still has some promise.

Obi Toppin is probably a year or two away from being a consistent defender (of at least average quality). McDaniels very possibly is already there – although I’d be lying if I didn’t say he had lapses at some points as well.

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