Since signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a 2-way deal in 2019, Jordan McLaughlin has been the point guard understudy. J-Mac has thrived in his reserve role with the Wolves, backing up D’Angelo Russell for most of his time with the team. However, McLaughlin is as solid as they come off the bench, providing the Wolves with a much-needed boost.
Former Wolves President Gersson Rosas quickly realized McLaughlin’s value, signing him to a 3-year, $6.5 million deal following the 2020-21 season. Rosas promised McLaughlin “more opportunities.” However, he did away with that larger role when the team signed Patrick Beverley that same offseason – a factor in the firing of Rosas.
Last season, the Wolves had a log jam at the 1- and 2-guard positions. With Russell, Beverley, Anthony Edwards, and Malik Beasley, the Wolves could not give McLaughlin a consistent spot in the rotation. As a result, he averaged only 14.5 minutes per game, a career low.
Despite some drama and a backlogged roster, J-Mac has looked great out of the gates this season. His high-impact game may not be anything new. However, McLaughlin is taking this Wolves offense to new heights with his larger role.
Through the first 15 games of this season, J-Mac is averaging only 3.9 points and 3.7 assists. Those numbers may not jump off the page when watching McLaughlin. However, his impact goes much farther than the box score.
Creating fast break opportunities and hitting teammates is McLaughlin’s specialty. Below you see J-Mac beat the rookie Tari Eason to a 50-50 ball, which should have been a Houston Rockets offensive board. Instead, McLaughlin turns on the jets, hitting Nowell in transition.
Turning up the pace may be McLaughlin’s strong suit. Still, he’s also a very potent ball-mover in the half-court. Below you see a great give-and-go between DLo and J-Mac out of the inbounds play, resulting in a wide-open triple for Russell.
McLaughlin’s ability to play alongside DLo effectively is a huge plus for Chris Finch. Russell is a natural ball-handler. However, DLo can flourish as an off-ball scorer if he’s next to the right partner.
J-Mac’s passing is lethal because of his ability to control the ball. McLaughlin has connected on 56 assisted baskets this season while only turning the ball over nine times. When the Wolves don’t have his calm yet hectic presence, the team forces passes and looks very lost at times.
Despite playing their best game of the season, the Wolves turned the ball over too much against the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night. Worth noting: McLaughlin didn’t play due to a left shoulder strain.
Finishing with 15 points and 12 assists on 7 of 10 from the floor, Russell stepped up following a terrible showing against the Miami Heat the game before. The Wolves had no problem executing their offense when Russell was on the floor. However, the team started to sputter when Russell was on the bench.
Minnesota turned the ball over 23 times against a young Indiana Pacers team. With Austin Rivers filling in for McLaughlin and Jaylen Nowell having an off game, the Wolves didn’t have much ball movement from the bench mob.
The Wolves have some solid floor generals on the squad. However, no one seems to do it at the pace and consistency that J-Mac does. With McLaughlin sitting out again Friday afternoon, the Wolves will need to figure out a way to replicate his similar impact – something that is much easier said than done.
