The Quiet Rise of Jaden McDaniel
Chris Finch recently called to raise his voice in defense. The coach seems to have less need to do the same for the offensive side Jaden McDaniels. Because the latter signs an extraordinary start to the season.
« We will continue to give him the ball, put the ball in his hands. He can play with the ball; he must make the right choice. If he does, we can be ten times better. Because he’s a great shooter. We just need another facilitator », claims Anthony Edwardswhose handful of missed matches also favored his rise to power.
The idea of making him responsible for the attack is not new. Shortly after taking over the reins of the Wolves, Chris Finch started talking about seeing the potential in Jaden McDaniels to become the local version of Scottie Pippen. In other words, a defender at a very high level, capable of achieving quantity, like the former Bulls legend, who averaged 18 points in Chicago.
That plan was thwarted in the summer of 2024 when Minnesota traded Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle, now the team’s second offensive option behind Anthony Edwards, and Donte DiVincenzo. Two players whose integration had to be eased, at the expense of the expected development of Jaden McDaniels.
“A little flat” during his debut
Julius Randle who sees in his teammate today ” one of the best two-way players in the league. We must be constant in this and continue to instill confidence in him, trusting him. » His wing doesn’t seem to be lacking this season, given his skill percentages: 55% on shots, including 54% from distance and 84% on free throws. Only career highs.
« We see that it worked. The first five years of his career were a little flat “, Anthony Edwards noted after the opening night, against Portland, where he could appreciate his teammate’s arc trajectory. It’s the same recording. It’s about shooting a little more and being confident. Let the ball go and don’t worry about the outcome. This is the most important part Jaden McDaniels answers.
Chris Finch remains convinced that he has “ yes in it “, this ability to shoot with a great amount of skill without being just a player waiting in the corner. We have clearly seen this season that he is capable of scoring after taking his own shot.
« When you have 3-point threats like him, offensive threats like him, and the shooters we have around, and someone like me cutting to the basket, it forces teams to make tough decisions. », concludes Rudy Gobert, whose team ranks 6th in the West with 7 wins in 11 outings.
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| Jaden McDaniels | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | The team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | That | Pd | Ft | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2020-21 | MIN | 63 | 23:59 | 44.7 | 36.4 | 60.0 | 0.8 | 2.9 | 3.7 | 1.1 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 6.8 |
| 2021-22 | MIN | 70 | 25:45 | 46.0 | 31.7 | 80.3 | 1.1 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 1.1 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 9.2 |
| 2022-23 | MIN | 79 | 30:35 | 51.7 | 39.8 | 73.6 | 1.2 | 2.7 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 3.4 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 12.1 |
| 2023-24 | MIN | 72 | 29:14 | 48.9 | 33.7 | 72.2 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 1.4 | 3.0 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 10.5 |
| 2024-25 | MIN | 82 | 31:53 | 47.7 | 33.0 | 81.3 | 1.6 | 4.2 | 5.7 | 2.0 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 12.2 |
| 2025-26 | MIN | 11 | 31:44 | 55.0 | 53.8 | 84.4 | 1.1 | 3.5 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 3.6 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 18.4 |
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.
2025-11-14 16:05:00
