Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Minnesota Timberwolves Power Rankings: Bench hierarchy is solidifying

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 11
Next
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 15: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves congratulates teammate Shabazz Muhammad #15 during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 15: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves congratulates teammate Shabazz Muhammad #15 during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

6. Nemanja Bjelica (6)

Season stats: 15.7 MPG – 7.5 PPG – 3.0 RPG – 0.5 SPG – 60% FG – 53.8% 3PT – 91.7% FT

Weekly stats: 16.3 MPG – 8.0 PPG – 2.3 RPG – 0.3 SPG – 66.7% FG – 57.1% 3PT

Who would have thought five weeks in to his third season in Minnesota, that Nemanja Bjelica would still – or even at all –  be leading the 3-point percentage mark for the entire league, in spite of the Serbian hoisting a criminally low 2.3 attempts per game.

Much to the disappointment of every fan that loves watching the 6-foot-10 flamethrower drain nearly everything he looks at this season.

He even caused Timberwolves color commentator Dave Benz to crown him with a new nickname; Threelica.

As well as his 3-point marksmenship, Bjelica also leads the league in True Shooting Percentage and Effective Field Goal Percentage.

It is safe to say Bjelica is far past on fire, he is an out of control blazing inferno. Well, an out of control blazing inferno that is only averaging a tick over 15 minutes per game.

It is a constant talking point among fans and and Timberwolves personalities alike as to why Bjelica cannot find the minutes he has clearly earned on this team.

To the minor delight of fans, Bjelly’s minutes did rise slightly this week, but there are a few serviceable reasons as to why he isn’t getting the minutes he has so clearly earned.

But the main one is the impressive play of Thibs favorite Taj Gibson, who has also earned every one of his minutes, and offseason contract dollars already this season.

Whether it comes at the expense of losing Gibson’s toughness and defense, or it comes in the shape of some back-up small forward minutes in favor of Shabazz Muhammd, Bjelica needs to get more minutes.

We just  need to see more of Threelica, who maintains his power rankings sixth-man position this week.

Home/Timberwolves News