As a former first-round pick in his third year, Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels is in the midst of an important season for his career — he’s eligible for a rookie scale extension in 2023. The rangy, versatile defender is averaging career highs in several categories thus far in 2022/23, including points (10.9), steals (1.1), blocks (1.2), FG% (52.7), 3PT% (36.9) and minutes (30.1) through 27 games.
McDaniels recently spoke to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype about a number of different topics, including how he improves defensively, who he compares himself to, the team’s goal for ’22/23, his long-term individual goals, and more. Here are a few highlights:
On the Wolves’ season thus far and his own development:
“For the team, it’s been a little up and down, but there have been certain times this season where we click, and we’re playing our best basketball. Then, there’s sometimes I feel like with KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns) being down, it hurts us. Defensively, sometimes we slip. I feel like it’s going to come together. It has to work for us. That’s what we’re saying. Continue to stick with it.
“For me, I’d say staying aggressive offensively and getting to my spots while continuing to shoot the three really well. I want to continue to guard the best player on the other team and make it as tough as I can.”
“Fair expectations” for the current season after the Rudy Gobert trade over the summer:
“I feel like we’ll go to the playoffs and try and get further than we did last year. Our goal is the second or third round. Our main goal is the championship, but we’ve got to start somewhere, so I’ll say do better than we did last year for right now.”
Long-term goals for his career:
“Sometime, I’d love to be an All-Star. Right now, things I feel are accomplishable are being on the All-Defensive Team. I feel like I could be one of the best two-way players in the NBA. Then, continuing to build off that to All-Star games to being a playoff MVP and all those types of things.”
McDaniels was pegged the next KD. I think that affected him. You can see the talent. But he didn’t always show up in college. That’s why he dropped in draft. But he was very young when drafted. Was in the lottery early on. Then he fell to 28th, nice pick by TWolves. So anyway, you hope he grows up and gets it. Well he’s starting to come around. Is only 22 yrs old. Wish him the best.
Minny should trade Rudy ……. to Bklyn
Claxton, Thomas, Harris, fillers, plus picks.
Claxton imo is a better fit with KAT. He’s young and still getting better. They get the picks back. To strengthen this team now. Cam and Harris are points off the bench.
Nets will be serious now. Just have to redo their bench. Works for both teams imo.
TWolves are 14-15 ……..
Nets are 17-12 ………
Would rather get Simmons and Harris.
He’ll get extended. An under-sung guy who has really made a difference for the wolves. His defense sometimes provides that little spark when things are going wrong.
2way players are best players. Big potential for that.