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

Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels has more potential than Obi Toppin.

A lot of the concern about Jaden McDaniels going into the draft was that what he was very raw in his abilities – a lot of what he showed (or didn’t) displayed a lack of development – and that he would be a long-term prospect to watch as his career progressed.

Those concerns have really subsided recently, with McDaniels appearing in almost 60 games as a rookie so far this season – a lot of which came after he proved to be a high-level, low-volume rotational player.

Again, though, Obi Toppin was expected to make an impact as one of the older players in this draft class – and he really has not been able to get consistent rotational minutes. He’s currently buried behind Julius Randle and does not play any minutes outside of the power forward position.

Toppin has shown some flashes of being really good in the future, but in comparison to McDaniels, it really is not a contest. McDaniels, already a good role player, could become even more if he is able to hit his absolute ceiling – although that outcome is unlikely.

There is a lot of promise that McDaniels has shown this season – with his most impressive showing coming in March, scoring 20 points, four rebounds, two steals, and three blocks in only 25 minutes of play.

Toppin, however, only has three games with 10-plus points – and only two games with more than 20 minutes played.

While both players are going to be good in the future, McDaniels has the edge in offense, defense, and overall potential – but it will be exciting to see how both progress as their careers move forward.