Who will be the Minnesota Timberwolves' third-leading scorer?

Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have one of the deepest rosters in the Western Conference. Outside of their star-studded starting lineup, they have a bevy of talented players all the way down the bench as well.

Shake Milton is already looking like an excellent option at guard with his sharp shooting. Players like Kyle Anderson, Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Troy Brown should make the Wolves’ second unit a dangerous one.

With all this talent in Minnesota’s locker room, the Timberwolves will have an excellent shot at securing a top six seed in the West if health holds up. Their scoring attack will of course be led by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. But after that, there is much debate as to who will be the third-leading scorer on the Wolves’ roster.

The Timberwolves have many candidates for a third-leading scorer

There are good arguments to be made for several players to be the third option on this team offensively. Mike Conley has shown that he is still performing at a high level, even with today being his 36th birthday. His dead-eye shooting from beyond the arc over the second half of last season led to him averaging 14 points per game for the Wolves.

Others like Naz Reid make an interesting case as well. But perhaps the best bet for a third-leading scorer this coming season in Minnesota is Jaden McDaniels. The draft classmate of Anthony Edwards already had a breakout season last year, and looks to continue his ascent.

Prior to the 2022-23 season, McDaniels was already known as an elite defensive stopper. But it was only in the last 12 months that he began to show just how far he has come offensively. While remaining a brick wall on defense, Jaden put up 12.1 points per game on 51% shooting.

But it is not just his efficient shooting that is notable. McDaniels did not shoot at such a high clip while taking easy shots. He was taking motion threes, step-back jumpers and twisting fadeaways all throughout the season. His shot profile was that of a tough shot-maker.

Of course, McDaniels will only continue to work on his shot and and improve his scoring ability. What we saw from him last season should make him the favorite to be the Timberwolves’ third-leading scorer during the 2023-24 season.