The Timberwolves’ interesting use of Marcus Georges-Hunt

Among the Timberwolves under-used bench, one player found a taste of big-time minutes for the first time. After nine previous (and brief) appearances, Marcus Georges-Hunt played 17 minutes last time out.

Marcus Georges-Hunt joined the Timberwolves this offseason after a year spent mostly in the then-NBA D-League after going undrafted in 2016.

In the five NBA appearances he made last year as a late-season addition to the Orlando Magic, Georges-Hunt averaged 2.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per game.

Georges-Hunt’s first nine appearances for the Wolves came mostly in garbage time, with four games totalling less than a minute of playing time for the young shooting guard, and only two producing points.

With the Timberwolves bench receiving few minutes so far this season, Georges-Hunt’s lack of playing time came as no surprise. Originally reported to likely be left behind after training camp, the fact Georges-Hunt is around at all is more than some expected.

Tom Thibodeau finally experimented with the bench against Sacramento, however, and Georges-Hunt was given 17 minutes of game time while being tasked with guarding Buddy Hield.

TwinCities.com quoted Thibodeau as saying that “defense is how players like Georges-Hunt can scratch their way into the rotation”, and with defense a particular struggle for the Wolves early on in the season, Georges-Hunt may be able to cement himself a solid bench role as a defender.

It seems Georges-Hunt’s minutes came in a search for a solid bench role player, with Shabazz Mohummad being left out of the rotation the last few games. With a lack of stability and solid rotation in the Wolves bench, Georges-Hunt could certainly work his way into a role receiving backup minutes every game.

While he may not have had the most impressive statline in his 17 minutes — just five points, one assist and a single rebound — Georges-Hunt was a +6 for the game and shot 67 percent from the field. With his efforts mainly focused on defense, Georges-Hunt didn’t waste shots for the Wolves, and despite one turnover was quite efficient in his time on the court.

Georges-Hunt may never be a star for the Wolves, but with a focus on defense and some hard work and commitment, I believe he could work his way into a solid bench role, receiving minutes similar to that of Tyus Jones (who deserves to be playing a lot more), and adding a man to the Timberwolves’ shaky rotation.

Next: Are Playoffs Good Enough For The Wolves?

Only time will tell if Georges-Hunt did enough to keep him in Thibodeau’s short rotation, but a decent performance should at least put him in contention for some minutes in upcoming games. Don’t look now, but Thibodeau may finally be looking to give the starters some rest.