Minnesota Timberwolves’ stopper Jaden McDaniels aggressive defense
By Brennan Sims
McDaniels can guard anyone
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant became very familiar with McDaniels last Friday. Morant is currently in the MVP discussion and is shooting the three-ball at a career rate. Teams still go under when he’s getting a screen — it’s been an unkind scheme as Morant has been making coaching staffs pay for giving him jumpers (40 percent on 5.2 three-point attempts). But Jaden McDaniels going under isn’t the same as other point-of-attack defenders.
During the second quarter, Grizzles big Brandon Clarke set a screen for Morant on McDaniels on the left side. McDaniels initially attempts to go over the screen and stick with Ja. With an unsuccessful attempt there, Ja is used to casually stepping into an uncontested shot.
Not with McDaniels lurking around. He was able to get behind Clarke and jump in front of Morant before Morant could get into his shooting motion. With Ja still looking to shoot the ball, McDaniels was able to erase the shot, sending it to the other side of the court.
Elite defense is just another day for Jaden
Impressive timing and recovery on this block. This is every day in the office for McDaniels. If you plan on shooting over him you must prepare for his uncanny lateral speed and his seven-foot wingspan. He uses every physical tool to his advantage to compete with All-Defense level intensity.
McDaniels quick hands get opponents in a pickle quite often. Sliding his feet over to help to find the perfect opportunity to snag the ball away. He’s a player his teammates know can help clean up for their defensive hiccups. His 1.8 STL percentage consists of both passing lane/help-side defense and pickpocketing ball handlers. McDaniels lateral speed is good enough to stay with some opponents, but he’s comfortably guarding two through four. His length and anticipation help him defend point guards with quicker feet.
As the Timberwolves’ strongest point of attack defender, there isn’t a matchup McDaniels won’t see this season. From Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and probably even Steph Curry (he started the game on Cleveland’s dynamic point guard Darius Garland during Sundays W). This workload comes with its challenges and fouls are at the top of the list. McDaniels has been foul-prone in his three-year career but is it something to worry about?