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Minnesota Timberwolves Midseason Awards

By Nolan Schmidt

Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) celebrates with forward Tayshaun Prince (12) during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) celebrates with forward Tayshaun Prince (12) during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica (88) holds the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica (88) holds the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Biggest Disappointment: Nemanja Bjelica

Truthfully, I think Bjelica is a good basketball player, and could become a valuable resource for the Wolves going forward. Him receiving this “Biggest Disappointment” award has less to do with his play, and more to do with his lack of usage.

We know that the current Wolves offensive system is, anemic, to put it lightly. It does not take into account the importance of the three-point shot, and that has been overstated on every Wolves blog out there right now. Bjelica’s main strength is his ability to shoot the three-point shot, and this archaic offense almost renders him unusable at times.

We saw this after he came back from an injury at the beginning of the season. He began to see less minutes and less opportunities to showcase what he could bring to the team. This lack of playing time took a toll on his confidence, and translated to some poor play throughout the month of December.

Despite his recent struggles, Bjelica shoots above the team average from beyond the arc. Granted, the team average is only 32.7 percent, none the less, Bjelica shoots around 38 percent. Obviously, you’d like to see him shoot the ball better, and I think he’s capable of doing so, but first, he needs the playing time.

We’ve seen Sam Mitchell play Bjelica more often as of late, but his 11.7 usage percentage is third worst on the team, behind Kevin Garnett and Tayshaun Prince. Remember that Bjelica was the big offseason signing in Minnesota, and he is one of the most underutilized players on the roster currently. To me, that has more to do with the system, rather than Bjelica himself.

I want to see Bjelica succeed in Minnesota, because he could prove valuable in the future. However, given the current system (or shall I say regime) he will continue to be underused and disappointing.

Next: Big Ticket Award

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