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With Jaden McDaniels out two to three weeks, Timberwolves confident Nickeil Alexander-Walker can step up

jace frederick, pioneer press
·3 min read

The Timberwolves announced star defensive wing Jaden McDaniels suffered a grade one ankle sprain with the ankle injury early in Monday’s victory over the Knicks.

The estimated recovery on that injury is two to three weeks.

That timeline suggests McDaniels will miss somewhere between eight to 10 games.

In a radio appearance with KFXN-100.3’s Paul Allen, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch noted the injury is “unfortunate.”

“He’s been playing so well for us,” Finch said.

Luckily for Minnesota, the team has more options behind McDaniels than it did even a year ago around this time. Troy Brown Jr. enters the rotation with McDaniels absent. But, more importantly, Nickeil Alexander-Walker likely steps into the starting lineup and fills the position of opponent star stopper.

Finch called Alexander-Walker a “godsend” on the radio, referring to the wing’s defense and impact on the bench.

“So I’m sure he’ll pick up a lot of those minutes,” Finch said.

Alexander-Walker’s uptick in opportunity comes at the perfect time for the 25-year-old guard, who has shown improved offensive play of late. After a slow start to the season, the wing is averaging nine points per game over his past six games, while shooting 56 percent from the field and 48 percent from 3-point range.

Finch said Alexander-Walker is playing with more patience.

“He’s playing hard. He’s definitely pushing the pace, he’s putting his stamp on things. But he’s not forcing stuff,” Finch said. “A lot of times he would just go hunting for opportunities to make a play out of nothing. He’s also kind of a little bit like Ant. When he makes a really good play, he wants the next one right away, and sometimes he gets himself in trouble by doing that. He seems to be playing with a little bit more patience there and staying confident in his shot.”

Karl-Anthony Towns noted Alexander-Walker’s high level of professionalism. That was on display last postseason, when Alexander-Walker defended Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — his cousin — and Denver’s Jamal Murray while filling in for the injured McDaniels. This is not an assignment with which Alexander-Walker is unfamiliar.

“Regardless of the situation, he’s going to step in and make the most of his opportunity,” Towns said. “He’s done a fantastic job every single time he’s been on the court. I think the fans notice it, the media notices it, that he’s a really special talent and we’re very fortunate to have him.”

Alexander-Walker said the confidence his teammates and his coach have in him allow him to believe in his abilities to step into McDaniels’ usual role. Alexander-Walker also is comfortable in the plays he’s making.

Since arriving in Minnesota, Alexander-Walker has been an impact defensive player who consistently competes with high energy. If he continues to excel offensively, Minnesota shouldn’t experience much of a drop off over the next week with McDaniels sidelined.

“I’m gonna try to make the right pass, I’m gonna try to take the right shots. I work hard at the shots that I do take, so shooting those with confidence and trusting it,” Alexander-Walker said. “And letting the chips fall where they may and living with that.”

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