MEMPHIS — As with Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels has had to push through new challenges in his second season with the Timberwolves.
A player's development isn't always a steady rise.
"There is a regression, particularly in the face of becoming a much more known commodity," coach Chris Finch said. "What are your strengths [and] weaknesses. People [are] game-planning for you, in terms of Ant's situation. Jaden, defensively, people are attacking him early and that's leading to some foul trouble, so he has to be more conscious of that."
For McDaniels, the 6-9 forward often given the job of defending the other team's best offensive big, it has been an up-and-down first eight games. Particularly on defense.
McDaniels appeared in 63 games last season, starting 27. He only fouled out of one game. McDaniels has been whistled for four or more fouls in seven of nine games this season, all starts. He had fouled out of three of the past four games, including Monday's disqualification against the Grizzlies in Memphis.
"[I'm] kinda just learning to play defense with my chest and without my hands," McDaniels said. "Sometimes when I get beat, I need to not use my hands, just use my chest."
Finch said McDaniels' strength is closely guarding opponents. The key is learning to stay aggressive, but not too aggressive.
"I think he's had some unfortunate whistles," Finch said. "He's guarding marquee guys. He's frustrated because he's not able to then play himself into a rhythm offensive enough. It's all about his hands. He's just got to keep showing his hands."
