Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels is shaping up to have a career season. 

Mostly known for his defense across his six-season career, McDaniel's game on the offensive end has looked better than ever. Through six games, he is averaging 18 points per game while shooting 50% from the field, both massive career highs if he maintains this pace across the season. 

His emergence as a potential two-way threat may be surprising, but the sharpening of his offense is something that is credited to retired NBA star Jamal Crawford. 

McDaniels spoke to Crawford via voice call on NBA on NBC Monday night, where he was able to share the advice Crawford gave him that mentally switched up his game.

Location, Location, Location

"Something that we talked about, finding my spots on the court, that's deep-paint twos, mid-range, spot-up shots. So just saying, the advice you gave me and the work I put in is helping a lot," McDaniels said. 

Missing shots wasn't something Crawford did often, so his advice to McDaniels certainly makes sense. Crawford was a career 41% shooter from the field and 34.8% from three after playing 20 seasons. 

Similar to real estate, location is everything. What Crawford spoke to McDaniels about in regard to finding his shots is crucial advice that has clearly helped the young forward's efficiency. Finding a good look on the court to line up a shot can be just as important as the technique that goes into the shot, and can even benefit that technique if a player gives themself a good area to shoot from.

Remembering and Moving Forward

"Probably just something I'd struggle with was forgetting to miss shots. I feel like now, when I miss a shot, it's just in the back of my head, and just worried about the next one going in," McDaniels said.  

The mental adjustment that McDaniels made sounds like a simple one, but those can be the most impactful. Basketball is as much a mental game as it is physical, especially when it comes to the precision and mechanics required in shooting the ball. Keeping an awareness of what's working and what's not when it comes to shooting can build toward success in the future. 

Knowing that missed a shot before can inform the way you shoot later, hopefully for better results. Considering McDaniels' hot start to the season, it seems like he's finding those better results often when he keeps missed shots in his mind.