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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) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 13: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during their game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 13, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 13: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during their game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 13, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

5. Taj Gibson (4)

Season stats: 30.7 MPG – 9.6 PPG – 7.7 RPG – 1.0 SPG – 51.2% FG – 28.6% 3PT – 84.4% FT

Weekly stats: 31.1 MPG – 7.8 PPG – 7.8 RPG – 0.5 SPG – 37% FG – 33.3% 3PT – 83.3% FT

His importance to the team has been on show for all to see already this year, but Taj Gibson didn’t have his best week over the last seven days, causing his slip in the power rankings this week.

https://twitter.com/Timberwolves/status/931723729205366784

Mark that down as six double-doubles on the season for Taj Gibson.

He scored 10 points three times this week, with the exception being an absolute stinker in the blowout loss to Charlotte. Gibson scored just a single free throw point and grabbed a meager six rebounds despite playing close to 30 minutes on the night.

As mentioned earlier, Gibson has proved already that his defensive toughness and ability to make the right hustle play at the right time, so his slip in the power rankings is nothing to be concerned about, especially since ‘Mr. Clean’ was predicted to be the least flashy and valuable Timberwolves starter.

There isn’t a whole lot to say about this week for Gibson, he will need to shoot it at a better rate going forward however, as his 37 percent mark this week was a frightening sight for Timberwolves fans.

But Gibson is historically a good shot taker, and makes those good shots at a high rate, just as he has done thus far for the Timberwolves.

If Gibson does expectantly correct his bad shooting, he will be straight back to possibly the most undervalued and underrated hustle man in the NBA.

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