The Minnesota Timberwolves are entering this season with lofty expectations but the hype may not be stronger than what’s surrounding Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels. The Timberwolves’ trio of young players were a big reason for Minnesota’s first trip to the Western Conference Finals in 20 years and Edwards believes their expectations are even bigger than what Timberwolves fans are hoping for this season. pic.twitter.com/MMI27KkBR5 — Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) September 12, 2024 “If us three become consistent, y’all in trouble,”
Edwards said in a social media video on the Timberwolves’ social media account. “If we can become consistent if we can somehow become older than what we are early? We’ve got to grow early.” Some would argue that Edwards is already there. The 23-year-old averaged career highs in points (25.9) and assists (5.1) per game on the way to his first All-Star selection and finishing seventh in Most Valuable Player Award voting last season. But it’s McDaniels and Reid that have room to grow.
McDaniels earned the trust of the front office with a five-year, $131 million extension before last season and it paid off in the form of his first selection to the NBA All-Defensive team.
But McDaniels’s shooting percentage slumped from 51.7% overall and 39.8% on 3-pointers in 2022-23 to 48.9% overall and 33.7% on 3-pointers last season. Reid became a fan favorite in Minnesota during a career season with 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game off the bench.
The reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Reid is set to reprise that role behind Timberwolves post players Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. Related: Do the Timberwolves have enough offensive weapons to contend in 2024-25?
With all three players under the age of 25, they represent the core of a Wolves team that has veteran leadership in the post but also a younger unit that could play an important role down the road. While some fans think Reid, McDaniels and Edwards’ time is down the road, the Timberwolves’ chances of advancing to the NBA finals could be elevated if Edwards’s prophecy comes true.
