The Minnesota Timberwolves have the Big 3 of Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert leading the way for the organization next season.
Edwards will be under the spotlight for the majority of the season, followed by Towns and then Gobert.
But under the star-studded trio, the Timberwolves have an elite defender in Jaden McDaniels.
The 28th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft averaged 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season.
However, McDaniels is just scratching the surface of his true potential, per Jarred Vanderbilt via ClutchPoints on Twitter.
“Jaden is like Mikal. He was a defender for the team, but he could go to a different team, emerge and go crazy— be a star,” Vanderbilt stated.
"Jaden [McDaniels] is like Mikal [Bridges]. He was a defender for the team but he could go to a different team, emerge and go crazy— be a star. It's all situational, what team you on and stuff like that."
—Jarred Vanderbilt
(via "Run Your Race", @TidalLeague) pic.twitter.com/dJ8vVyP5Gu
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 19, 2023
Vanderbilt believes McDaniels is similar to Mikal Bridges.
Bridges was primarily a defensive beast during his stint with the Phoenix Suns.
However, after getting traded to the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges truly showcased his offensive skill set.
Bridges put up 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game for the Nets last season.
Vanderbilt claims a player’s playing style is always situational, and they can always switch things up if required.
The Timberwolves may not require McDaniels to become an offensive powerhouse just yet, as they have the dynamic duo of Edwards and Towns taking care of that department.
In fact, McDaniels could become the backbone of the Timberwolves’ defense, an area where they have struggled consistently over the last few seasons.
At the end of the day, it’s always a sigh of relief to have a player on the roster who can flip the switch between defense and offense as per requirements.
Now, it’s up to McDaniels and the Timberwolves coaching staff to prove Vanderbilt right.
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