For years, the Minnesota Timberwolves have talked about empowering Jaden McDaniels as a scorer. Even after averaging 14.8 points last season, it's clear that he has another level to reach. McDaniels averaging 16.3 points in the playoffs is evidence of that. And while the Wolves have talked about empowering McDaniels before, this time it feels different. A big reason why is because of LaMelo Ball.
Playing alongside an elite playmaker can give McDaniels easier shots and will ensure that he's involved in the offense consistently. During Wednesday's preseason game against the Indiana Pacers, we got some evidence to suggest that the Wolves are serious about empowering McDaniels. Notably, his 10 field goal attempts were tied with Anthony Edwards for the most on the team. McDaniels delivered on this responsibility by scoring 16 points in 21 minutes.
His shot diet was a mix of self-created and assisted looks. Two of his made field goals were specifically off a Ball assist, including this 3-point shot off an incredible LaMelo pass. Look, it's only preseason, but it's an encouraging sign that McDaniels has been so featured in the Wolves' offense. It's fair to expect this trend to continue in the regular season.
How LaMelo Ball can help Jaden McDaniels level up
McDaniels' improved 3-point shooting was a clear factor in his offensive leap last season. Notably, he shot a career-best 41.2 percent from deep. Ball's playmaking can help this trend continue, and his 3.4 attempts per game should increase. LaMelo excels at drawing in a defense when he drives, which creates open looks for his teammates.
The numbers don't lie: Kon Knueppel shot 10.3 percent higher from 3-point range with Ball on the court, and Bridges shot 7.9 percent higher from deep range when sharing the floor with Ball, per Databallr.
Besides the shooting boost that LaMelo's playmaking can provide, his ability to command attention from a defense will give McDaniels more advantages to attack. In turn, this should lead to easier opportunities for McDaniels around the rim. Since McDaniels is an elite finisher who can punish mismatches, this should be a major advantage.
Another benefit Ball provides is someone who can track McDaniels' involvement. Far too often, the Wolves would lose sight of McDaniels, who would be relegated to the corner. With a natural playmaker who is constantly thinking of how to involve others, this will no longer be an issue. Sure, Mike Conley provided some of this, but he was aging, and he doesn't command attention as a scorer.
Plus, the way Minnesota's roster is constructed, opposing teams might be forced to hide their worst defender on McDaniels. He can destroy these mismatches with ease by attacking the rim and pulling up from the mid-range. Ball will recognize when McDaniels has an advantageous matchup to attack and feed him opportunities to attack.
In the Wolves' two preseason games, another welcome change is that Chris Finch has drawn up more plays for McDaniels. As much as Ball's playmaking will help him, McDaniels needs plays drawn up for him to truly be unleashed. Fortunately, all the stars seem to be aligning for McDaniels this season.
A McDaniels leap can help the Timberwolves
McDaniels reaching another level wouldn't just be a cool talking point—it would benefit the team. If he reaches another level, the Timberwolves would have one of the league's best third options. That's a clear advantage as they try to compete for a title.
Furthermore, there's evidence that he can scale up and be a hyper-efficient third scorer. Relevantly, in 16 of 20 games where McDaniels scored 20-plus points last season, he shot 50 percent or higher from the field. Ball can help increase McDaniels' high-scoring and efficient nights.
Amid all the other strengths this Timberwolves team has, getting more from McDaniels could take them to another level. Thankfully, that possibility feels likely with Ball in the fold.
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