There is no question that Jaden McDaniels will continue to be one of the core pieces for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the rest of this decade. Wolves fans keep on hoping he can agree to a contract extension with the team as soon as possible.
After all, McDaniels’ supreme talent fits perfectly next to franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards. Jaden’s lockdown defense is a perfect complement to Edwards’ unstoppable offensive firepower. It remains incredible that the Timberwolves were able to find both players in the same draft.
On Monday, senior Timberwolves writer for The Athletic Jon Krawczynski reported that Jaden McDaniels has undergone a growth spurt this offseason, and is now measuring in at 6-foot-11. This is sure to cause massive excitement for Wolves fans.
Summer buzz: hearing that Jaden McDaniels is measuring at 6-foot-11 at his latest workouts. 22 years old and still growing.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) August 7, 2023
Jaden McDaniels underwent a growth spurt this summer.
Previously listed at 6-foot-9, McDaniels’ reported two-inch growth is no small matter. Of course, this number will have to be confirmed when the team conducts official measurements before the season begins. But assuming the news is true, this is an absolute game-changer for Minnesota.
Before this summer, Jaden McDaniels was already blossoming into one of the most refined defenders in the NBA. With top-tier physical attributes, he showed himself to be one of the top wing stoppers in the league that could even hang with players like Kevin Durant.
There was a legitimate debate as to whether he or Rudy Gobert was the best defender on the Timberwolves last season. But if he is now nearly seven feet tall, McDaniels’ ceiling just got even higher.
Being as skilled as McDaniels is at his height is a rare combination, and this growth spurt could propel him to an even higher level. Jaden will now be even more equipped to shut down larger players, while still having the mobility to hang with quick guards on the perimeter.
With his versatility on both ends of the floor combined with a new growth spurt, Jaden McDaniels will be in prime position to take yet another leap this coming season.