Jaden McDaniels is the X-Factor for the Minnesota Timberwolves

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 02: Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on January 02, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – APRIL 16: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against Naz Reid #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game One of the Western Conference First Round at FedExForum on April 16, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

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.

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