Jaden McDaniels’ improved playmaking is helping him adjust to more on-ball duties

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels is excelling with expanded on-ball duties, posting career highs of 17 points and 3.6 assists per game through six contests. Writer Eamon Cassels highlights that McDaniels tied his career high with seven assists alongside 23 points in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers, stepping up significantly as a secondary creator while Anthony Edwards is sidelined with an injury for approximately two months.

Cassels argues that McDaniels' playmaking growth, especially making reads off drives and executing pick-and-roll plays, has transformed him into an offensive weapon. His assist percentage has jumped to a career-high 16.2 percent, with the writer noting particularly strong chemistry developing between McDaniels and center Rudy Gobert.