The dream starting 5 for Minnesota Timberwolves 5 years from now
By Bret Stuter
Starting at small forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels
Age in 2028: 27
Comparison: Jonathan Isaac
The Minnesota Timberwolves have counted on small forward Jaden McDaniels for years, and he will continue to reward them with his lights-out defense. But even his staunchest critics have to admit that there is oh-so-much more to McDaniels than velcro-like defense.
Did you know that in the 2022-23 NBA season, Timberwolves small forward Jaden McDaniels shot 39.8 percent from the three-point range? Did you know that McDaniels averaged 12.06 points per game last season? Did you know that the 2022-23 NBA season was his first opportunity to be a full-time starter for the Timberwolves roster?
I am willing to bet that you know just how good his defense is. That is common knowledge among the NBA’s top scorers as well.
Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 185 pounds, McDaniels is on a collision course with NBA All-Defense Team honors, a point that was driven home by the Timberwolves website touting his defensive prowess. That was based on his 2022-23 NBA season performance. Over time, he will become better and better.
McDaniels should earn his well-deserved spot on the NBA All-Star team soon. With Anthony Edwards, he becomes two core players who will deliver excellence over the next 10+ years for the Minnesota Timberwolves.