X-Factor: McDaniels is key to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ playoff hopes

McDaniels has a high offensive ceiling and will help the Minnesota Timberwolves this season.

Offensively, McDaniels’ impact is somewhat quieter than defensively, but his ceiling is high on this end of the court, too. He is a decent three-point shooter who can stretch the floor and has great court vision. McDaniels can always find the open spots, whether it be for an easy dunk, for a kick-out three, or for a cut to the basket while the defense is focused on Edwards or Towns. During his short time in the league, McDaniels learned how to exist in a group of ball-dominant players and still have an impact, which makes him so valuable to Minnesota.

Towards the end of last season, he began to expand his offense beyond corner threes and cuts, which will hopefully continue. McDaniels is fast, with quick feet and good handles for a player of his size. With these assets, he could do much more with the ball than he currently does.

The Timberwolves are aware of McDaniels’ potential and kept him off the table in all the Gobert trade talks. His growth is not guaranteed, however, so the organization needs to be careful not to allow him to fade into the background during their title chase and must continue his development.

It is important that Jaden McDaniels grows into everything he could possibly be because he is a rare type of player with a bright future in the league who might just be the Timberwolves’ X-Factor. If he unlocks his true potential, the Minnesota Timberwolves could have a lineup consisting of five All-Star caliber players and two All-Defensive players. Even in today’s star-studded league, this is a rare thing to have.

This season, the Minnesota Timberwolves will go as far as Edwards takes them, but in the long run, McDaniels’ development will set the pace for Minnesota’s playoff success.