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. However, over the past six games, McDaniels is averaging 12 points (9.7 FGA), 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 48.3/31.6/90.9 shooting splits.

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

For me, though, the bottom line is that the Wolves don’t involve McDaniels in the offense. Wednesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder is a prime example of how the Wolves should prioritize McDaniels. The 25-year-old forward scored eight points on 3-for-4 shooting, but shot the ball just twice the rest of the game. Minnesota ultimately lost 113-105.

At this point, McDaniels is too talented not to play a key role in 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 need to get McDaniels involved more

Before I get into why the Wolves should 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, you’re leaving out four games that McDaniels played, and those were 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 is not the reason for McDaniels’ slow trajectory. At the same time, Edwards, as the de facto point guard, needs to get McDaniels involved more, as he has done before.

As previously mentioned, this largely comes down to McDaniels needing to be more involved in the offense. Will the injury possibly affect him? Certainly. Moreover, he can sometimes be more aggressive. But man, it would be nice if the Timberwolves did something to get him involved.

It’s rare (if ever) that we see Chris Finch make a play for McDaniels. Especially in games like Wednesday night when McDaniels is clearly on top of things, why the hell not make a play for him? McDaniels has shown significant improvement as a creator and as a 3-point shooter (46.6 3PT percentage) this season, so there is a wide variety of plays the Wolves could make for him.

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

In the midst of a three-game losing streak, the Timberwolves are now 10-8, and they need to get back on track quickly. 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. On the field, however, Minnesota needs to start acting like McDaniels is one of the centerpieces of the future they claim to be.