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Grading the Timberwolves’ Shabazz Muhammad

By Ryan Schaal

Mar 1, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) shoots the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) shoots the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a successful 2015-16 season for Shabazz Muhammad, 2016-17 was an up-and-down campaign under new head coach Tom Thibodeau.

The seemingly tough, defensive-minded Thibodeau gave Muhammad less minutes this year than he received under Sam Mitchell during the prior campaign, but he largely produced the same amount offensively.

Shabazz averaged 9.9 points, 0.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. Once again, he was the Wolves’ spark plug off the bench, often coming in and scoring quick points with his jump hook or surprising with an improved three-point shot.

He was either on fire or not, of course. And it affected the whole team on whether or not Bazz could carry the bench, since the Timberowlves didn’t have much of one throughout the year.

For example, on December 9th against the Pistons, Shabazz Muhammad had exactly one point on 0-2 shooting and only picked up three rebounds and zero assists. He was a -18 and the Wolves lost by 27.

No, Bazz isn’t the only player at fault for the Wolves when he’s off. The starters just have to rely heavily on the bench in some games. During those times when they do have to rely on the bench, the bench has to produce.

And when they don’t, you get really ugly losses. So when Bazz is the main focal point for the bench, and when he doesn’t produce, it can be extremely hard for the Wolves to win.

Top Three Games for Shabazz Muhammad in 2016-17

January 11 versus the Houston Rockets

Shabazz Muhammad had 20 points and seven rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting and most importantly, a 119-105 victory over the high-octane offense of the Rockets.

March 8 versus the Los Angeles Clippers

Muhammad and Rubio propelled the Wolves to a 107-91 victory. Bazz had 17 points and six rebounds on 7-of-13 shooting against the Los Angeles Clippers while Rubio had 15 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds.

April 4 against the Glden State Warriors

Bazz had his only double-double of the season against the Warriors. While the Wolves took the loss, Shabazz really showed out in this game. He scored 24 points on 8-for-18 shooting and 7-for-9 from the line. Muhammad also had 11 rebounds and played 32 minutes.

Season Grade: C

While becoming the main bench guy for the Wolves, Muhammad still performed at what was overall a below-average level.

In order for Muhammad to perform to his highest capability, he has to better himself with his right hand, as he was left hand dominant the whole season. Additionally, he must improve on the defensive end of the floor.

There were plenty of times where Bazz would be ineffective on the offensive end and wouldn’t be able to contribute defensively, either.

Next: The Timberwolves Should Trade Up In The 2017 Draft

If the Wolves can add another key bench player in the off-season, Bazz will get quite a load taken off of him offensively. Then again, Muhammad himself may not even be back at Target Center come fall…