Jaden McDaniels has been one of the NBA's best (and most versatile) defenders over the past few years. Nevertheless, it was always clear that Jaden McDaniels had real upside on offense. For years, fans were waiting for McDaniels to reach another level and get more involved in the Minnesota Timberwolves. While the end of last season and the playoffs offered some promise, this year, McDaniels is putting it all together offensively and remains an elite defender.
10 games into the season, McDaniels is averaging 18.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 55.9/54.1/82.8 shooting splits. This is a 6.4 point jump from last season, which was a career-high. He has scored 20 or more points in five games and has yet to record a game scoring single digits. McDaniels is also shooting 21.1 percent higher from 3-point land, a number that isn't sustainable. However, the 6-foot-9 forward has clearly taken strides as a shooter, and it's possible his final percentage hovers around 40.
In addition to McDaniels' growth as a shooter, his aggressiveness attacking the basket has really stood out. McDaniels taking this leap and becoming a legit third option changes the Wolves' championship outlook.
McDaniels' offensive growth could lead to a championship run
Unsurprisingly, McDaniels is posting a career-high usage rate of 21.6, a 5.3 percent increase from his previous career-best. McDaniels has always been an elite finisher, but he's become so much more aggressive this season. Notably, his 4.3 rim attempts are a career-high, and he's shooting 69.8 percent at the rim. McDaniels looks more comfortable handling the ball and has improved at attacking closeouts. This, paired with McDaniels' growth as a shooter, opens up everything for the Wolves.
Jaden McDaniels scoring OTD pic.twitter.com/VRU59zPOh7
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) November 4, 2025
With how much attention Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle receive, having a dependable third option is vital for a Wolves team with championship hopes. In the past few years, McDaniels couldn't provide this on a consistent basis. Now he's nearly averaging 20 points and doesn't just look like a dependable third option, but an elite one.
McDaniels' impact on the Wolves offense is undeniable; they post a stellar 122.3 offensive rating with him on the court, a number that translates to the best in the league. Additionally, the three-man unit of McDaniels, Edwards, and Randle has an incredible 129.6 offensive rating. Given how talented this group is and how well they complement each other, the Wolves will be a difficult matchup for anyone in the playoffs.
Minnesota has made two straight Western Conference finals and, of course, is hoping to make an NBA Finals leap. There are reasons to be concerned about their title outlook, as they have yet to beat a team above .500, and they lack point guard play. However, McDaniels' growth is one reason to be optimistic about their championship chances, and this could ultimately be a game-changer.