MINNEAPOLIS — Four years back, Patrick Beverley was adamant about what Jaden McDaniels needed to elevate his career. During that time, Beverley was a prominent figure in the Minnesota Timberwolves locker room, vocally expressing his belief in what this relatively quiet, underappreciated late first-round pick could achieve.
Beverley saw in McDaniels echoes of another unassuming forward he had played with in Los Angeles—one with long arms, defensive flexibility, and a full arsenal of offensive skills.
“C’mon, Pat,” people would often tease. “You really think Jaden McDaniels can be like Kawhi Leonard?”
Beverley never wavered, confidently asserting that McDaniels had the potential to emulate Kawhi. After spending two years on the Clippers alongside Leonard and reaching the Western Conference finals in 2021, Beverley joined the Timberwolves, where McDaniels was in his second year, still carving out his identity in the league.
He suggested arranging summer workouts for McDaniels and Leonard, convinced that their similarities could benefit Jaden as he aimed to redefine himself beyond being labeled merely as a 3-and-D player.
McDaniels met up with Leonard last summer in Los Angeles for offseason training sessions, which took place in what might have been one of the quietest gyms in America. Both players are known for their focus and let their games do the talking.
As McDaniels progresses into his sixth NBA season, his performance is becoming increasingly prominent. Recently, Leonard witnessed McDaniels score 12 of his 27 points in the third quarter, proving pivotal in leading the Timberwolves to a 109-106 victory over the Clippers.
Renowned as one of the league’s standout perimeter defenders, McDaniels has often been pegged as one-dimensional until this season. He is now averaging a career-best 16 points per game, shooting an impressive 48.5% from beyond the arc. His shooting continues to impress as the season unfolds, with his confidence growing with each shot he takes.
This season marks the sixth time McDaniels has surpassed 20 points in a game. During a tough match where the Wolves struggled offensively, Coach Chris Finch increased McDaniels’ role, allowing him to take charge in the third quarter. He converted all five shot attempts, demonstrating his growth and adaptability on the court.
Though McDaniels is not yet at Leonard’s level, he is quietly making strides as a defensive force and an offensive threat, aiming to carve out his niche in the NBA while following the path laid by Leonard.
