Jaden McDaniels Trending Up as Timberwolves Eye Road Test in Denver
The Timberwolves are breathing a little easier heading into their Thursday showdown in Denver. After sitting out Tuesday’s game against the Knicks with a left oblique contusion, forward Jaden McDaniels has been upgraded to probable for the matchup against the Nuggets - a strong sign that Minnesota avoided a longer-term issue with one of its most important two-way players.
McDaniels is in the middle of what’s shaping up to be a breakout campaign. Long known for his defensive chops - he earned All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2024 - the 25-year-old is rounding out his game in a big way this season.
He’s averaging career highs across the board: 15.0 points, 2.6 assists, and shooting a blistering 40.0% from deep. Add in an 86.8% clip from the free throw line, and McDaniels is starting to look like more than just a defensive stopper - he’s becoming a legitimate two-way threat.
For a Timberwolves team that’s built its identity around defense, McDaniels’ offensive growth is a game-changer. He’s no longer just a guy who locks down the opposing team’s best wing; he’s now spacing the floor, making smart passes, and finishing plays with confidence. That kind of development doesn’t just help in the regular season - it’s the kind of evolution that can swing playoff matchups.
Randle’s Revenge Narrative? Not Anymore
Tuesday’s win over the Knicks also came with a little extra juice - at least on paper. Julius Randle, now a key piece in Minnesota’s frontcourt, faced off against his former team and put together a tale of two halves.
Through three quarters, Randle had just eight points on 3-of-11 shooting. But when the game hung in the balance, he flipped the switch - dropping 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting in the fourth quarter to help seal the win.
While the storyline of Randle seeking revenge against the team that traded him might’ve made sense last season, the veteran forward made it clear that chapter is closed.
“I’m over it,” Randle said after the game. “I had a great time in New York, accomplished a lot of great things.
The city was great to me, but I’m happy to be here in Minnesota, playing in front of the fans every day, being a part of this team. I’m home.
Where I’m at is home.”
That’s a telling quote from a player who’s clearly found his fit. Randle’s presence has added a new layer of versatility to Minnesota’s offense, and his ability to take over late - as he did Tuesday - gives the Wolves another closer alongside Anthony Edwards.
Kevin Garnett Returns to the Wolves - Officially
In other Timberwolves news, a familiar face is finally back in the fold. Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, the face of the franchise for over a decade, has officially returned as a team ambassador - a move that’s been years in the making.
According to team leadership, repairing the fractured relationship between Garnett and the organization was a top priority. When Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez took over as owners, they heard the same question over and over from Timberwolves fans - whether in Minnesota or across the country: When is KG coming back?
Now, that question has an answer.
Garnett’s return isn’t just symbolic. It’s a signal that the Timberwolves are serious about reconnecting with their past while building toward a future that looks increasingly bright. With a young, talented core, a defensive identity, and a Hall of Famer once again tied to the franchise, Minnesota is building something that feels sustainable - and meaningful.
As the Wolves head to Denver with McDaniels likely back in the lineup, the team’s focus remains on the present. But with Randle settling in, KG back in the building, and McDaniels taking the next step, the big picture is starting to come into view - and it looks pretty good from here.