Jaden McDaniels gives the Wolves exactly what they need to make the final jump

One of the best stories of the Minnesota Timberwolves season so far has undoubtedly been the offensive growth of Jaden McDaniels. The 6-foot-1 forward is averaging 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2 assists on 53.8/46.2/81.8 shooting splits. Without Anthony Edwards, McDaniels is averaging 22.8/4.3/2.8 on 64.3/66.7/91.7 shooting splits.

McDaniels’ 22-point game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday was his third game in which he scored 20 or more points this season. However, his jump is not just a cool story. It’s something that will undoubtedly change the Wolves’ championship prospects. Edwards and Julius Randle are still the Wolves’ first and second options, respectively. However, they now have a fantastic third option and a two-way star.

Jaden McDaniels’ offensive growth changes everything for the Timberwolves

For the Wolves to make a championship jump, McDaniels’ growth was a clear swing factor heading into the season. There are still some questions about the Wolves’ championship credentials, but McDaniels is no longer one of them. The 25-year-old has delivered on the rumored offensive leap and then some.

That McDaniel reaches another level offensively shouldn’t shock fans; he is coming off a career season in which he averaged 12.2 points and 14.7 points in the playoffs. Nevertheless, a jump of almost eight points is incredibly impressive.

In terms of specific improvements, McDaniels (who has always been an elite finisher) attacks the rim with more power and determination. He has gotten much better at taking advantage of mismatches and attacking closeouts. Notably, he shoots 70 percent at the rim while ranking in the 85th percentile for rim attempts. Plus, McDaniels makes teams pay when they leave him open from three-point range. Yes, it’s a small sample size, but a 13.2 percent jump from three-point country is significant.

The Washington product has spent a whopping 11.5 percent of his time on the ball, according to Databallr. McDaniels clearly feels more comfortable in the role of creator and has also made strides as a playmaker.

“Seatbelt” has done all this while remaining an elite defender. McDaniels is averaging 2.3 shares for his career (steals plus blocks) while competing against the other team’s best perimeter player every night. He ranks in the 91st percentile in defensive plus-minus per Dunks and Threes.

Despite making back-to-back conference finals, it’s clear in both years that something is missing for the Wolves. Ultimately, having a consistent third option in McDaniels could be the swing factor needed for the Wolves to make a jump in the championship standings.