After last Sunday’s practice, I asked Jaden McDaniels about his debut playing center.
“To be honest, I didn’t even notice in the game,” McDaniels said with a smirk. “But I heard people saying it, and I’m like, ‘I really was?’”
The Minnesota Timberwolves thrust McDaniels into the role because Julius Randle (groin) and Rudy Gobert (back) were hurt. Their injuries left the Wolves short-handed at center, which resulted in McDaniels logging his first consistent minutes at the 5.
McDaniels has been a success, which is mildly surprising given his slender 6’9”, 185-pound frame.
“I mean, I’m fine with it,” McDaniels continued. “I’m versatile enough to where I can play 1-5… if the dude’s not too big, not a 7-footer, I can guard him.”
Defensively, McDaniels has been a revelation at center.
In 57.3 minutes as the primary defender on a center this season, he has forced 10 turnovers, which is a turnover every 5.7 minutes. McDaniels is also holding opposing centers to shooting 33.3% from 3.
McDaniels is also holding centers to 56.9% shooting overall. At first glance, that looks poor. However, for context, Naz Reid allows opposing centers to shoot 61.5%, and Randle allows 56.6%.
It’s nothing short of remarkable for McDaniels, who has never really played center, to jump into the position and defend shots at a competent level. The turnovers he’s forced are a testament to his activity and ability to force mistakes. McDaniels explained that playing center has unlocked a new rotation and defense that is more switch-heavy, which makes the adjustment easier.
“I mean, they don’t let people get to the paint that easily, and…if they do, I’m going to have their back,” McDaniels said of the backcourt defenders of the Wolves. “There’s no mismatches on the court, and everyone can hold their own.”
McDaniels has been sensational on the other side of the court since Gobert got injured. McDaniels scores 20.0 points per game despite only shooting 16.7% from 3.
His scoring boom is largely due to working in space. McDaniels is shooting 53.5% from 16 feet and in, meaning his mid-range, post-scoring, and ability to get to the rim have been his primary means of scoring.
McDaniels shoots an elite 73.3% in the restricted area. He also averages 6.3 free throws a game and is 92.0% at the line. It’s becoming apparent that he works best in the mid-range and post area, especially on paint jump shots like the ones seen below.
Therefore, McDaniels’ offensive boon results from playing more at the center and power forward spots, which seems to come more naturally for McDaniels offensively. After practice on Sunday, he joked about whether he’s working on post hook shots or his lob game.
“Nah. You might see some post fadeaways but no hook shots,” McDaniels said, laughing before answering a question about being a lob threat. “Nah, I haven’t, ain’t worked on that.”
McDaniels is proving how valuable he is to the Wolves because of how malleable he can be within the roster. The Wolves have known for years he can guard opposing guards and forwards ranging from Kyrie Irving to LeBron James. But after his stint at center, McDaniels showed he can guard 1-5.
He’s also having the best offensive stretch of his career, even though he’s shooting 16.7% from 3 since Gobert’s injury. By playing the 5 in Gobert’s place, McDaniels has shown he can be more than just a 3-point volume shooter. Even with the small sample size of four games, we can assume he’ll continue that production, especially as he gets more comfortable as the roll man in the pick-and-roll.
The Wolves will need McDaniels to play the post in the playoffs. When teams try to exploit Gobert in the pick-and-fade game or go small to outrun Gobert and Randle, McDaniels gives Finch a new way to try and combat it.
By putting McDaniels at the 5 surrounded by shooters, the Wolves can have their version of the 2017 Golden State Warriors’ death lineup with Draymond Green at center. McDaniels’ abilities at the 5 are a revelation. Sometimes McDaniels surprises himself.
