Jaden McDaniels is following in Kawhi Leonard’s footsteps

Served in a half transition, first he attacked the circle with his left hand, then stopped in the racket. There, through his support game, Jaden McDaniels was able to rise and score in front of a Kawhi Leonard powerless.

A symbolic move in more ways than one for the Wolves winger, who shined against the Clippers a few days ago. Although he has been in worse offensive shape in recent weeks, he recalled how much he has improved in this area by posting his second best performance of the year: 27 points (10/13 shooting including 3/3 from distance).

All against a player Jaden McDaniels is starting to know very well. He and Kawhi Leonard are now used to working together during the summer sessions, including last summer in San Diego.

At the beginning of this merger, Patrick Beverley, a former teammate of the two men, which from 2022noted a possible comparison between the two men. Jaden McDaniels then built a reputation as a tough defender while remaining a limited power forward, reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard’s well-known profile during his early years in San Antonio.

Play at your pace in attack

« I want him to see how real professionals work every day, to bring that back to training camp “, then showed Patrick Beverley, while his young teammate did not hide his desire to learn from ” one of the biggest “, with whom he had already spoken before coming to the NBA.

That impact this season seems even more pronounced, as the 28th pick in the 2020 draft is based on his career-best 15.5 ppg (52.5% including 45.6% from long range, also career highs). From Kawhi Leonard, who is dominated by size but not muscle, Jaden McDaniels in particular has learned to progress at his own pace on offense.

« Don’t let the defense force you to speed up, play at your own pace in all circumstances. That’s something I learned from him: stay at your own pace. I don’t want to say too much… », the Wolves player doesn’t finish his sentencebefore adding: ” I stay patient and take the shot I want, no matter how much pressure the defense puts on me. It’s about staying calm and composed. »

Kawhi Leonard was already an All-Star at this point

His offensive development is slower than that of his older brother. The latter, since his fifth season in the big leagues, had already begun to take over the reigns of the Spurs, among local legends (Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker), and was already an All-Star. With Jaden McDaniels remaining the third option with the Wolves behind Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.

He may not know the path of the future member of the Hall of Fame, two-time NBA champion, with two Finals MVP trophies, six-time All-Star… But Jaden McDaniels is moving forward, at his own pace, trying to follow in the footsteps of his model.

« What he brings to us is enormous. During a match, sometimes we all look for a spark and he provides it. Sometimes you want to step on the gas and it responds. And sometimes you just need stability. He does everything we ask of him and everything we expect from him. ”, concludes his teammate Donte DiVincenzo.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.