Jaden McDaniels has done more than score his way into a bigger offensive role for the Minnesota Timberwolves. His passing has become a real part of the equation, too.
Through six games, McDaniels is putting up career-best numbers in points at 17 per game and assists at 3.6. In Minnesota’s latest win over the Los Angeles Clippers, he matched his career high with seven assists, added 23 points, and, as the source put it, frankly dominated the game.
That kind of all-around production is exactly what the Wolves had in mind when they talked all summer about giving him more responsibility. His scoring and self-creation were always going to be the headline, but if McDaniels is going to function as a featured offensive player, he has to keep making the right reads when defenses collapse on him. With Anthony Edwards sidelined for the next two or so months, that burden is only going to grow.
So far, McDaniels has answered it well.
Last season, he already took a step forward as a passer, finishing with a career-high 2.7 assists per game. He began showing more comfort in pick-and-roll situations and as a tertiary creator.
His 12.2 assist percentage was also a career high, and that number has climbed to 16.2 this season. The passing has not just been there in volume, either.
His precision and ability to handle tougher reads have stood out.
One of the clearest signs of growth has come when McDaniels drives. With more on-ball chances, he’s getting to the rim more often, and his 3.5 rim attempts per game are a career high.
That matters because once a driver forces help, the floor opens up for everybody else. McDaniels has been taking advantage of those moments, especially now that defenses are more likely to load up on him with Edwards out.
That added playmaking value also gives Minnesota more ways to use him. Pick-and-roll actions have become especially important, since McDaniels can work as the team’s secondary creator for now.
His size gives him an edge there, whether he’s attacking a mismatch or slipping the ball to the roller. And by the source’s account, he has the most chemistry with Rudy Gobert.
Whether he’s finding teammates off the drive, running pick-and-roll, or making the extra pass, McDaniels’ passing has helped lift the offense. Combined with his improved self-creation, it’s turning him into a major advantage for the Timberwolves.
The more responsibility he gets, the better his playmaking seems to look. And as the season moves along, Minnesota is likely to keep leaning on both his passing and his ability to handle the ball.
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