While the majority of Minnesota Timberwolves fans see Jaden McDaniels starting at the four on opening night, it appears that Chris Finch is a little less welcoming to the idea than the consensus.
In an interview with (former) Wolves beat writer, Chris Hine, Finch talked a little bit about his plans for how the new-look team will start games, and when Finch was asked about what his plans for McDaniels were this season, he had this to say:
“I don’t immediately envision Jaden just moving over and playing the four,” Finch said. “While I can see at times he’ll play there and maybe play a good number of minutes there, I don’t see that right off the bat, and I don’t necessarily, in my mind’s eye, see that as a starting lineup with him there.”
Jaden McDaniels would thrive as a power forward
Deploying McDaniels at the four would truly unlock what he's best at on the defensive side of the ball. Yes, he's a great perimeter defender and will certainly get his fair share of matchups there, especially in more meaningful games, but over the course of the long season, there are ways to conserve him while simultaneously bringing out the best in him.
Use him as a weak-side rim protector. Scoring on a tandem of him and Rudy Gobert is going to be nearly impossible for opposing defenses, and they can completelyshut off the paint for their opponents. This would require the guards to take on more responsibilities guarding the perimeter, but with guys like Edwards, Green, Clark, and DiVincenzo (when he comes back) all being more than capable perimeter defenders, it shouldn't be an issue.
Maybe Finch doesn't start the season with McDaniels at the four, but I don't think it will take long before he realizes that he is his best option. Having him roam and be a weak-side rim protector on defense can conserve him for the playoffs and on the offensive side of the ball, while also leveling up the team's defense as a whole. It's the best of both worlds, and the Wolves need to take advantage of that.
What are the alternatives for the four if McDaniels is the starting three?
It's a little late in the offseason to trade for someone to be the solution, but then again, given the timing of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, I can never rule it out. As far as free agency goes, the only starting-caliber power forward still available is Jonathan Kuminga, and even with the Wolves' interest level seemingly high, it appears he wants too much money.
The most realistic is probably an in-house move, but who is the best fit? Personally, I'd go with a low-maintenance option as the fifth starter, and the two guys who fit this bill best are Josh Green and Jaylen Clark. Both are a little unorthodox to be power forwards, considering Green is 6-foot-6 and Clark is 6'5, but both can fill needs on the roster as well.
Green is an elite corner shooter and a solid, physical presence defending the perimeter as well. Clark is an otherworldly perimeter defender, probably the best on the team, but his shaky offense is what has kept him out of the rotation in the past. If he's able to develop even a somewhat respectable three-pointer, he'll be a staple in the rotation this year.
These guys will both get good minutes this season, but despite that and what Finch's original idea is, Jaden McDaniels would be the best option at power forward.
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