The Minnesota Timberwolves have finally closed Round 1 against the Denver Nuggets without Anthony Edwards on the roster, and Jaden McDaniels was a huge part of it. Edwards’ comparison with Michael Jordan is not new, as he has proved time and again that he can be put in the same conversation. However, former NBA player-turned-analyst DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins believed that McDaniels was the No. 2 on that squad and deserved to be compared to Scottie Pippen.
Jordan and Pippen were one of the most lethal and dominating duos in the league when they played together. They brought the Chicago Bulls six championships (two 3-peats), and Pippen’s defense and ability to make hustle plays made him one of a kind in the NBA. Moreover, he let MJ do his thing while he did the dirty work.
Something similar is happening in Minnesota, or at least Boogie Cousins thinks so. Talking on the Run It Back show, along with other panelists, the former center claimed:
“I think he validates himself as the clear-cut No. 2 in this team. He shown the ability to defend all over the floor, but now been able to be that go-to-guy, and not only that but being the guy who helps close out a series, that’s real validation in this league… Just thinking about the comparisons of Anthony Edwards and a young MJ and the way he moves, I mean, I am willing to go out on a limb and say, why can’t we compare Jaden McDaniels to Scottie Pippen with the way he performed in last night’s game?”
The Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett also gave his stamp of approval to Cousins’ take and wrote in the comments:
“Agreed boogie 🫡💯💯.. that boy like that 😤😤🫡💯 @boogiecousins .. that’s a good one”
Boogie added that while Pippen is one of the greatest two-way players this league has ever seen, McDaniels is also on the same path. He admitted that the Wolves forward was not just there, as his offense has yet to be on that level, but he has the potential if he puts up similar performance on a nightly basis.
Jaden McDaniels leads the Wolves through to Round 2
Jaden McDaniels put up a career-best playoff performance in Game 6 to edge out the Denver Nuggets in Round 1. He scored 32 points and 10 rebounds, along with two steals and one block. When Anthony Edwards hyperextended his left knee in Game 4, fans were skeptical of the Wolves’ postseason chances.
Moreover, Donte DiVincenzo also suffered a season-ending ankle sprain in the same game. However, McDaniels stepped up during difficult times and took responsibility to lead the team to the other side. Terrence Shannon Jr. also had 24 points and six rebounds to help McDaniels in the process.
The Wolves will now face the San Antonio Spurs in Round 2, and the whole squad has to be up and running if they want to give themselves a chance against the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. The franchise might look to speed up Edwards’ recovery, hoping to see him on the floor against the 7-foot-4 center.
Edwards earlier stated that he would have loved to face Wemby more during the regular season when the two teams met. It seems the basketball gods have answered his wish, but the matchup will only be fun when the shooting guard is healthy to take up the challenge.
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