Jaden McDaniels has built a reputation as one of the NBA's premier defensive forwards, but Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch believes the 25-year-old is still evolving into a more complete player.

Known for his elite perimeter defense, McDaniels has become a key piece of Minnesota's core over the past several seasons. While his defensive versatility has earned him league-wide recognition, including NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2023-24, Finch believes the biggest growth in McDaniels' game has come on the offensive end.

Speaking recently, Finch explained that McDaniels has continued to improve every year, but the Timberwolves finally found ways to put him in situations where those skills could shine.

"He just continues to get a little bit better every year at things that he's had in his game, and we've just been able to put him in a position or have the opportunities to kind of better utilize it," Finch said.

Rather than crediting a sudden breakout, Finch believes McDaniels' improvement came from an increase in offensive opportunities. With several high-usage players sharing the floor, touches can be difficult to distribute throughout a game.

"I've said this many times. Sometimes just a usage puzzle. You have a lot of guys on the floor that need the ball that are really good, and sometimes people just don't have that opportunity, you know."

That changed during the 2025-26 season as the Timberwolves made a greater effort to involve McDaniels in the offense.

"But this was a year where it laid out, where Jaden was able to, we were able to finally get the ball in his hands more."

The increased role translated into the best statistical season of McDaniels' career.

He started all 73 games he appeared in, averaging career highs of 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting an efficient 51.5 percent from the field, 41.2 percent from three-point range and 83.5 percent from the free-throw line.

His improved efficiency and confidence allowed him to become more than just a catch-and-shoot threat, as he consistently attacked closeouts, created his own offense and made plays in transition.

Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 28th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft before his rights were traded to Minnesota on draft night, McDaniels has developed into one of the franchise's most valuable players.

His combination of length, athleticism and defensive instincts allows him to guard nearly every position, while his expanding offensive game has made him an even bigger part of the Timberwolves' success.

Minnesota finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 49-33 record, earning another playoff appearance in a competitive Western Conference.

However, the Timberwolves' season came to an end after a six-game first-round series loss to the San Antonio Spurs, leaving the organization looking to take the next step in 2026-27.

Despite the disappointing postseason exit, Finch's comments reflect the confidence the Timberwolves have in McDaniels' continued development.

At just 25 years old, he continues to improve on both ends of the floor, and the organization believes there is still another level for him to reach.

If McDaniels builds on the career-best numbers he posted last season while maintaining his status as one of the NBA's elite defenders, he could emerge as an even more important piece alongside Anthony Edwards and now LaMelo Ball, as Minnesota pursues a deeper playoff run next season with a new look backcourt that will need McDaniel's more than ever.