Jaden McDaniels' improvement could change everything for Timberwolves

Jaden McDaniels has always been an important part of the Minnesota Timberwolves' equation for success. Ever since he was drafted in the same class as Anthony Edwards back in 2020, he has been seen as having the potential to be a co-star for the Wolves' franchise player.

The truth is that McDaniels possesses some key attributes of a real impact player in this league. He has considerable length, boasts a versatile skillset, and can impact the game on both sides of the basketball as a three-and-D wing. But despite a ton of upside, Jaden has never truly blossomed into that full-fledged star alongside Edwards.

Over the last two seasons, we have largely seen McDaniels knocking on the door of greatness, but lack of consistency continuing to doom his progress. He has certainly had some notable stretches, and he played exceptionally well during the Timberwolves' playoff run last season. In 16 postseason games in the spring of 2024, Jaden averaged 12.2 points on 51.4% shooting efficiency and 43% from distance.

It was some of the best basketball he's played in his career. Now, after a slow start to the 2024-25 season, McDaniels is coming into his own once again, making a big impact for this Timberwolves team.

McDaniels had a career-high in points against Dallas

Against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday evening, Jaden put up a career-high (regular season and playoffs) 27 points along with eight rebounds, three blocks and four steals. It was a stat-stuffing performance that was the pinnacle of his solid play as of late.

McDaniels has now scored in double figures in six of his last seven games, averaging 14.8 points and 54.2% shooting efficiency in his current run. He has also been rebounding notably better, which has been a big lift for this team given Rudy Gobert's struggles in that department.

We have all been waiting for McDaniels to truly take that next step and become the player he knows he can be. His play as of late indicates that he could be in the midst of doing just that. Consistency will be key, and there is a lot of season left. But if Jaden can give the Timberwolves this kind of output for the rest of the season, it could truly be a game-breaker for Minnesota.