Jaden McDaniels’ Role Under Scrutiny as Timberwolves Seek Consistency

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Jaden McDaniels, the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ rising star, is facing growing scrutiny over his role in the team’s offense as the Wolves navigate a turbulent season. Despite signing a five-year, $136 million contract extension last year, McDaniels’ inconsistent performance has raised questions about his fit in the team’s long-term plans.

McDaniels, 24, is coming off a career-best 2022-23 season, where he averaged 12 points per game with a 51 percent field goal percentage and 39 percent from beyond the arc. However, his production has dipped this season, with his 3-point shooting falling to 32 percent, the lowest since the 2021-22 campaign. His role as a supplementary piece in the offense has left fans and analysts questioning whether the team is maximizing his potential.

“His role on that end is currently rooted in ambiguity; it’s not necessarily his fault, but it needs to change in its structure for the team to follow suit,” said a recent analysis of McDaniels’ performance. The Timberwolves, currently hovering around a .500 record, have struggled with offensive consistency, often relying on isolation plays rather than fluid ball movement.

Head coach Chris Finch has described McDaniels as a “barometer for ball movement,” emphasizing that his production often mirrors the team’s offensive flow. However, this season has exposed the limitations of that approach. McDaniels’ usage rate is at its lowest since his rookie year, and his field goal percentage has declined despite an increase in 3-point attempts.

“Someone making the contract Jaden currently is cannot sit in the corner and wait for residual looks to come from an offense that’s already shaky at its core,” the analysis noted. McDaniels’ strengths lie in his defensive prowess and rebounding, where he has shown significant improvement. In January, he averaged six rebounds per game, including a career-high 12 rebounds against Memphis and five offensive rebounds against Golden State.

Finch praised McDaniels’ recent contributions, particularly his rebounding and decision-making. “He’s been much more active and involved [on the glass],” Finch said. “Some of that is that we’re able to get him off the ball and get him to the bottom of the floor in position to rebound…it helps us, and I think it helps him also.”

McDaniels’ ability to drive to the basket and finish at the rim has also been a bright spot. Among regular rotation players, he ranks fourth on the team in field goal percentage inside 10 feet at 57 percent. His floater and mid-range jumper have become reliable weapons, offering a counterbalance to his inconsistent long-range shooting.

Despite these positives, the Timberwolves must address McDaniels’ role if they hope to contend in the competitive Western Conference. “The ‘barometer for ball movement’ and the mystery box of what’s happening on a night-to-night basis has to stop,” the analysis concluded. “Otherwise, what’s the point?”

As the Timberwolves prepare for their next game against the Washington Wizards, all eyes will be on McDaniels to see if he can continue his recent upward trend and solidify his place as a cornerstone of the team’s future.