Minnesota Timberwolves’ stopper Jaden McDaniels aggressive defense

Rim protection as a wing

Former Utah Jazz All-Star, Andrei Kirilenko, was one of the most versatile defenders the league had seen. Standing at six-foot-nine and leading the league in blocks (2005) is a crazy feat! This an even more off-the-wall fact when you consider defensive stalwarts like Marcus Camby, Tim Duncan, and Ben Wallace were still in their primes terrorizing the paint.

McDaniels is similar to Kirilenko in a sense. Both wings are extremely versatile defenders that offer serious rim protection; neither has a problem putting the ball on the floor to either exploit closeouts or run the break. You can put them on the best player, they’ll make it tough as they can for superstars. McDaniels may not ever capture the block leader accolade like Kirilenko but he alters shots at an absurd rate.

Opponents are shooting 47 percent at the basket with McDaniels challenging, according to PBP stats. Just a remarkable number compared to any elite rim protector currently holding down the paint.

Opponents shoot 53 percent with Rudy Gobert at the rim, 58 percent against Lakers star Anthony Davis, and 59 percent with seven-foot-three Kristaps Porzingis attempting to alter shots. Where does a former defensive player of the year Giannis Antetokounmpo rank so far in defending the basket? Opponents also shoot 47 percent with Giannis being an intimidator down low.

McDaniels monster help-side defender

McDaniels is a monster help-side defender similar to Giannis. Watching him bait offensive players into blocks is pretty fun to watch. Tip-toeing back and forth giving players a slight window and the idea that they can get a shot off. His quick instincts and windshield wiper arms allow him to lunge at the spot of release — routinely getting clean challenges that change the type of shot drivers want to shoot or simply slapping the ball back in play igniting a fast break.

McDaniels’ ridiculous wing rim protection paired with Rudy Gobert’s paint presence is a recipe for great at-the-rim defense. According to Cleaning The Glass, teams are shooting 61.9 percent at the rim against the Wolves. Solid enough or 5th in the association.

The duo hasn’t done enough to get the Wolves to an overall elite defensive ranking (currently 18th). The perimeter defense throughout the team has been suspect. Navigating through screens, playing physical on-ball defense to keep your man in front of you, and rotating when your teammate is beaten have been struggles for the Wolves. Luckily, McDaniels hasn’t struggled in this department. He’s the life pulse of the Timberwolves’ perimeter defense.