It's fair to have questions about the Minnesota Timberwolves' ability to make another deep playoff run. Nevertheless, one thing that is an undeniable advantage and a change from previous seasons is Jaden McDaniels. Don't get me wrong, McDaniels has always been an awesome role player, but he's been so much more than that this season.
When it's all said and done, McDaniels' offensive growth could be a difference maker in the Wolves' ability to make another deep playoff run -- and possibly get over the championship hump.
On the season, McDaniels is averaging 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on 51.9/45.4/84.4 shooting splits. McDaniels' growth as a 3-point shooter, shot creator, and playmaker gives the Wolves an element they have lacked for years. This, paired with his elite defense, makes him and the Wolves a matchup nightmare in the playoffs.
McDaniels' growth gives the Wolves an element that they've lacked in the past
In years past, McDaniels was far more inconsistent offensively, especially as a shooter. Notably, coming into the season, McDaniels was a 34.8 percent 3-point shooter. As such, 45.4 percent from beyond the arc is a significant leap. Before this year, teams could sag off McDaniels and send the house at Anthony Edwards. If teams employ this strategy now, McDaniels will make them pay for it.
McDaniels is also an amazing finisher, shooting 69.8 at the rim. But wait, it gets better -- McDaniels is netting 48.5 percent of his mid-range shots -- making him a true three-level scorer. Whether it's initiating offense for himself or others, McDaniels' comfort level with the ball has really stood out to me this season. Having this well-rounded offensive skill set paired with his elite size (6-foot-9) and defense makes McDaniels one of the league's most complete complementary stars.
By all accounts, McDaniels' offensive growth gives the Wolves something they've lacked in the past: a consistent third option. Given that the Wolves have already made two straight conference finals, McDaniels' growth should put other teams on notice.
Outside of the Oklahoma City Thunder (they're a different monster), I think the Wolves have the most dependable and all-around impactful third option in the West.
Stephon Castle is fantastic, but he's still a second-year guard with a shaky jumpshot. Likewise for Amen Thompson, but he's in his third year. Aaron Gordon's constant hamstring injuries are a fair concern despite having similar all-around excellence to McDaniels. Between Austin Reaves or, frankly, LeBron James at this point, the Los Angeles Lakers have a more talented third option than the Wolves. However, neither player offers value on the defensive side of the ball.
McDaniels, on the other hand, can take opposing teams' stars out of games while offering dependable three-level scoring and tertiary playmaking. That's the definition of a matchup nightmare, and come playoff time, McDaniels could help tilt any series in the Wolves' favor.