Timberwolves need a season-changing Jaden McDaniels adjustment

One of the biggest stories, early in the Minnesota Timberwolves' season, was Jaden McDaniels' offensive growth. Through the first seven games, McDaniels averaged 18.6 points (13.3 FGA), 4.1 rebounds, 2 assists, on 53.8/46.2/81.8 shooting splits. In the past six games, though, McDaniels has averaged 12 points (9.7 FGA), 5.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, on 48.3/31.6/90.9 shooting splits.

A few things could be going on here. Anthony Edwards returned from injury in the eighth game of the season, so it could be natural regression. McDaniels missed his first game in two seasons with a wrist injury, which could be bothering him. Another idea is that McDaniels needs to be more aggressive.

However, to me, it comes down to the Wolves not involving McDaniels in the offense. Wednesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder is a prime example of the Wolves needing to prioritize McDaniels. The 25-year-old forward scored eight points, on 3-for-4 shooting, but only shot the ball twice the rest of the game. Minnesota ultimately lost 113-105.

At this point, McDaniels is too talented not to be a key part of the Wolves' offense. While getting him back on track won't solve everything amid a three-game losing streak, it will be a key factor.

The Timberwolves must get McDaniels more involved

Before I further dive into why the Wolves need to prioritize McDaniels, let's go back to my Edwards point. If you look at the stats I listed, the first seven games and the last six games, that leaves out four games McDaniels played, those being the first four he played with Edwards. In these games, McDaniels averaged 18 points on 11.8 field goal attempts.

This proves that Edwards' return isn't the reason for McDaniels' slow stretch. At the same time, as the de facto point guard, Edwards needs to get McDaniels more involved as he has done before.

As stated earlier, this largely comes down to McDaniels needing to be more involved in the offense. Is the injury possibly impacting him? Sure. Likewise, he could be more aggressive at times. But man, it would be nice if the Timberwolves did anything to get him involved.

It's seldom (if ever) that we see Chris Finch run a play for McDaniels. Especially in games, like Wednesday night, when McDaniels clearly has it going, why in the world wouldn't you run a play for him? McDaniels has shown significant improvements as both a self-creator and a 3-point shooter this season (46.6 3PT percentage), so there is a wide variety of plays that the Wolves could run for him.

Most of McDaniels' points come within the flow of the offense. Whether that's spotting up, attacking closeouts off drive-and-kick plays, or cuts. McDaniels is the team's best finisher, shooting 75 percent at the rim. With his versatile offensive skill set, he's simply too good to be relegated to the corner.

Amid a three-game losing streak, the Timberwolves are now 10-8, and they need to get back on track soon. Getting McDaniels more involved won't solve everything, but it will be a key factor.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Timberwolves view McDaniels as untouchable in trade talks. Given his elite defense and growing offensive game, I think this makes sense. However, on the court, Minnesota needs to start acting like McDaniels is one of the central pieces of the future they claim he is.