This isn't shade at Jaden McDaniels by any means. He's on one of the NBA's best value contracts, has been an all-defensive player his entire career, and has turned himself into a real offensive weapon this year, posting career highs in points, assists, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and free throw percentage.
With averages of 14.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on nearly 50, 40, 90 splits, he's thrived in his role this season, but some of the conversations Minnesota Timberwolves fans have put him in want them asking for more.
The stats are good -- but consistency is still an issue
In a good number of the Timberwolves' worst losses, there's usually a common denominator in these games. Jaden McDaniels didn't show up, whether it is a lack of aggression, foul trouble, or just missing his shots, these no-show games have cost the Wolves at times this season.
Most recently in the Wolves' loss to the Magic 119-92, McDaniels finished with three points on 0-for-9 shooting. In their loss to the Clippers on February 8, 115-96, McDaniels had two points on only four shots in 28 minutes, and in the game before that, in another loss to the lowly Pelicans, McDaniels had six points on 2-for-8 shooting in 22 minutes to go along with five fouls.
He has to get these performances out of his game
He doesn't need to score 20 points every game; every player has off-shooting nights or games where they inevitably get into foul trouble. But when these things happen to McDaniels, he needs to find other ways to impact winning.
The stats I care about in those games that stand out aren't the low point totals; in the Clippers game, he had two rebounds, zero assists, and two turnovers. In the Magic game, he had four rebounds and two assists with two turnovers, and in the Pelicans game, he had one rebound and two assists with two turnovers.
Simply put, McDaniels is too talented to be having games where he flat-out isn't contributing at all. The Timberwolves and their fans hold McDaniels to a high standard, with good reason. With many fans not wanting him to be included in a possible Giannis Antetokounmpo trade at the deadline.
If he's going to be held to the standard that few others on the team are, then he has to shake out the games during the season where he's invisible on both ends. If he can do that, he will be one of thebest two-way players in the league. However, if he can't, then he's likely best suited as a complementary starter as opposed to a true second/third option.