Jaden McDaniels is giving the Wolves exactly what they need to make the final leap

One of the best stories of the Minnesota Timberwolves season so far has undoubtedly been Jaden McDaniels' offensive growth. The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2 assists on 53.8/46.2/81.8 shooting splits. Without Anthony Edwards, McDaniels is averaging 22.8/4.3/2.8 on 64.3/66.7/91.7 shooting splits.

McDaniels' 22-point game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday marked his third game where he has scored 20 or more points this season. His leap isn't just some cool story, though. It's something that undoubtedly changes the Wolves' championship outlook. Edwards and Julius Randle are still the Wolves' first and second options, respectively. However, they now have a fantastic third option and two-way star.

Jaden McDaniels' offensive growth changes everything for the Timberwolves

For the Wolves to make a championship leap, McDaniels' growth was a clear swing factor heading into the season. There are still some questions about the Wolves' championship credentials, but McDaniels is no longer one of them. The 25-year-old has delivered on the rumored offensive leap and then some.

McDaniels reaching another level offensively shouldn't shock fans; he is coming off a career season when he averaged 12.2 points and 14.7 points in the playoffs. Nevertheless, a near eight-point leap is incredibly impressive.

In terms of specific improvements, McDaniels (who has always been an elite finisher) is attacking the rim with more force and decisiveness. He has improved a lot at taking advantage of mismatches and attacking closeouts. Notably, he is shooting 70 percent at the rim while ranking in the 85th percentile for rim attempts. Furthermore, McDaniels is making teams pay if they leave him open from 3-point range. Yes, it's a small sample size, but a 13.2 percent jump from 3-point land is significant.

The Washington product has spent a career-high 11.5 percent of his time on the ball per Databallr. McDaniels is clearly more comfortable in a creator role and has also made strides as a playmaker.

"Seatbelt" has done this all while remaining an elite defender. McDaniels is averaging a career high of 2.3 stocks (steals plus blocks) while taking on the opposing team's best perimeter player on a nightly basis. He ranks in the 91st percentile for defensive plus-minus per Dunks and Threes.

Despite making back-to-back conference finals runs, it's been clear in both years that something has been missing for the Wolves. Ultimately, having a consistent third option in McDaniels could be the swing factor needed for the Wolves to make a championship leap.