Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels has built his reputation on elite defense, regularly drawing All-Defensive consideration, but until now he hadn’t been a major threat on offense.
Before this season, he had never averaged more than 12.2 points or recorded a usage rate above 16.3%, reinforcing his role as a low-volume scorer.
In his sixth NBA year, though, the 25-year-old is beginning to look like a true two-way weapon, writes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
Across 11 games, McDaniels is averaging 18.4 points on a remarkable .550/.538/.844 shooting line with a 21.3% usage rate.
While those numbers may cool, Krawczynski notes that McDaniels appears much more comfortable attacking off the dribble, finishing at the rim, and creating for both himself and others.
“We’re going to keep giving him the ball, putting the ball in his hands,” Anthony Edwards said. “He can play with the ball in his hands; he’s just got to make the right play … We just need him to be another facilitator for us.”
McDaniels has already been a valuable starter thanks to his perimeter defense, but this offensive leap could push him toward a higher tier of impact.
“He’s one of the best two-way players in the league,” Julius Randle said. “We’ve got to be consistent in that and keep feeding him confidence, trusting him.”
Northwest Notes: McDaniels, Bailey, Valanciunas, Blazers https://t.co/9flcLXitq4 pic.twitter.com/9ZW5RKhf6K
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 14, 2025
