The Minnesota Timberwolves have quickly turned into one of the most enjoyable teams in basketball. Between coach Chris Finch’s scheming, Karl Anthony-Towns’ shooting, Anthony Edwards’ explosiveness, and Pat Beverley’s, uh, Beverley-ness, the Timberwolves have married a cohesive identity on both sides of the ball with fun individual characters for the first time in years.
Add in combo guard D’Angelo Russell playing some of the best two-way basketball of his life, All-Defensive-caliber forward Jarred Vanderbilt flinging himself pell-mell around the floor, and Malik Beasley flinging away like a prodigal Splash Brother, and the Wolves run deep with talent.
Jaden McDaniels is the X-Factor for the Minnesota Timberwolves
However, one different player might be the difference between a first-round loss and a deep playoff run.
Jaden McDaniels was drafted 28th in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft by the Lakers before ending up with the Wolves in a series of draft-day trades. Initially overshadowed by Anthony Edwards, the first overall pick of the same draft, McDaniels’ defensive versatility and growing off-ball savvy have turned him into the pivotal piece for the Wolves.