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Insane stat speaks volumes to Jaden McDaniels' defensive impact

Jaden McDaniels defended more No. 1 options than nearly everyone in the league last season.
ByEamon Cassels|
Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) celebrates a three pointer made against the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) celebrates a three pointer made against the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images | Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Jaden McDaniels' elite on-ball defense and ability to guard the opposing team's best players make him a vital part of the Minnesota Timberwolves' success. In the 2023-24 season, it helped him earn an All-Defensive team selection, and it was a key part of the Wolves' No. 1 ranked defense.

Data shared by Todd Whitehead shows that McDaniels guarded No. 1 options the fourth most in the league. Notably, Toumani Camara, Christian Braun, and Dyson Daniels were the lone three players above McDaniels. Regardless, McDaniels' ability to defend the league's best players makes him incredibly valuable.

McDaniels' defensive impact is immense

At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, remarkable lateral quickness, McDaniels has the ideal frame to defend multiple positions. However, he typically defends opposing perimeter players due to his rare blend of size, strength, and speed. In fact, 59 percent of McDaniels' time last season was spent defending opposing guards.

Some notable stars that McDaniels contained last season include Steph Curry (26 percent shooting), James Harden (27.8 percent), and Jalen Brunson (35.7 percent shooting). Having a defender who can take some of the league's best stars out of games is a true luxury for the Wolves and especially benefits the team in playoff settings.

McDaniels' elite on-ball defense is paired with impressive off-ball abilities. Notably, he averaged 2.2 stocks (steals plus blocks) last season; his 1.4 blocks per 100 possessions ranked in the 97th percentile per DataBallr. Additionally, McDaniels ranked in the 91st percentile for estimated defensive plus-minus and ranked 10th in the league in defensive win shares last season.

Having an elite on-ball stopper in McDaniels and an elite rim protector in Rudy Gobert has helped the Wolves post a top-10 defense for the past three seasons. Minnesota feels poised to continue this trend, and McDaniels will remain a key catalyst for the Wolves' defensive success.

McDaniels is poised for an even bigger defensive role this season

With Nickeil Alexander-Walker leaving in free agency, it's possible McDaniels guards even more No. 1 options. Alexander-Walker was the Wolves' second-best on-ball defender, so filling this void will be challenging. Anthony Edwards, Jaylen Clark, and Terrence Shannon Jr. will all get more on-ball responsibilities. Nevertheless, it's possible that McDaniels' burden increases to the point where he defends the most No. 1 options in the league.

Undoubtedly, McDaniels is one of the NBA's most impactful defenders, and it feels likely that he reclaims a spot on an All-Defensive team, especially if he has more responsibilities.

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