Minnesota Timberwolves Power Rankings: KAT loses his crown

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 24: Taj Gibson #67, Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Miami Heat on November 24, 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 24: Taj Gibson #67, Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Miami Heat on November 24, 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) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 24: Aaron Brooks #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat during the game on November 24, 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 24: Aaron Brooks #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat during the game on November 24, 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) /

10. Aaron Brooks (Unranked last week)

Season stats: 4.2 MPG – 2.3 PPG – 0.4 APG – 0.1 SPG – 50% FG – 57.1% 3PT – 50% FT

Weekly stats: 11.4 MPG – 4.0 PPG – 1.0 APG – 50% FG – 100% 3PT

The beneficiary of Jeff Teague’s sore Achilles, Aaron Brooks garnered meaningful minutes for the first time this season in the games against the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns, entering the power rankings for the first time this season.

Brooks was called upon by coach Tom Thibodeau to start in Teague’s first match-up watching in street clothes and not playing in Timberwolves blue and white since he arrived in Minnesota.

It didn’t take long for Thibs to see enough of Brooks, as he replaced him with Tyus Jones for majority of the game, Brooks finished with just over 13 minutes despite receiving the start.

Brooks’ defense was a major reason why he struggled to see minutes in the final games in Minnesota this week, struggling not only to stay in front of his man but looking shaky off-ball too, probably thanks to his usual lack of game time being suddenly ramped up.

Despite his porous defense over his 23 minutes this week, Brooks did look good from behind the arc, connecting on both of his 3-pointers this week.

If Teague is to miss more time, Brooks will quickly become an important part of this Minnesota Timberwolves rotation.

Brooks himself will need to adjust just as quickly to his newfound role if he wants to help the Timberwolves continue their playoff push successfully.