Throughout his career, Jaden McDaniels has struggled to produce consistent offense. This was true even after McDaniels' career-best season last year, in which he averaged 14.8 points. Notably, McDaniels had 16 games in which he scored fewer than 10 points.
McDaniels has reached another gear on offense, averaging 17 points. Just as importantly, he's been ultra-consistent, scoring at least 13 points in all 11 games so far. In my view, McDaniels' newfound consistency is a direct result of the Timberwolves empowering him more on the ball.
Sure, McDaniels' offensive production has routinely been erratic. But so has his role. That's always been my explanation for his offensive cold streaks. For the first time in his career, though, he has been consistently empowered as a focal point of the offense this season, and it's paying off big time.
Jaden McDaniels is justifying a bigger role with the Timberwolves
Far too often in past seasons, McDaniels was out of the play, sitting in the corner. It was a rarity that the Wolves would run a play for McDaniels, which is a shame given his gifts as a jumbo-sized shot creator. Now, every game, Chris Finch makes it a point to run plays directly for McDaniels. His 20 usage rate is a career high, as are his 13.6 field goal attempts per game. Something that more subtly signals McDaniels' increased importance and role in the offense is that he is now playing the entire first quarter.
I've long discussed how vital it is to empower McDaniels on the ball. In short, a three-level scorer with elite positional size is a massive weapon, and McDaniels gives the Wolves' offense some much-needed versatility. The Wolves are reaping the benefits of empowering McDaniels, as he's helped them thrive without Anthony Edwards.
Beyond the Wolves making it a point to feature McDaniels more in their offense, LaMelo Ball's playmaking has ensured that he has more consistent opportunities. Likewise, Ball has given McDaniels easier matchups and advantages to attack. McDaniels has also clearly worked on his game, as every year he looks more comfortable putting the ball on the floor and getting to his spots as a creator.
Furthermore, Edwards' unfortunate injury has naturally given McDaniels more opportunities. Even before Edwards' injury, the Wolves made it a point to empower McDaniels and draw up plays designed for him. All offseason, it's become clear that he's exceeded complementary status and that he has become a true focal point of the franchise.
McDaniels has lived up to his end of the bargain by providing consistent scoring and creation. While other factors have gone into McDaniels' ascension, the Wolves empowering him is the biggest one in my eyes.
In any event, McDaniels' improved offensive production and consistency have uplifted the team.
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