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5 Timberwolves players who have shown early growth this season

By Adam Ziobrowski

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on December 16, 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 - DECEMBER 16: Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on December 16, 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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 10: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on before the game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 10, 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 – DECEMBER 10: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on before the game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 10, 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) /

4. Taj Gibson

A 32-year-old showing growth? It’s not as crazy as you may think with the large impact Gibson has left on the Wolves in his first season in the twin cities.

It’s no secret Gibson has played a career high 33.3 minutes per game so far this season. However, Gibson has played so well how can you not have him in there for extended time?

Compared to last year with the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder, Gibson has improved nearly every statistical category.

He has increased his points per game from 10.8 to 11.3, his field goal percentage from 51.5 percent to 54.6 percent, and he’s shooting 81.6 percent from the free throw line compared to 71.5 percent last season. He’s also seen his total rebound per game increase from 6.2 last season to 8.2 this season. Throw in an increase in steals, assists and even 3-point percentage and the early growth Gibson has displayed isn’t so hard to see.

He looks very comfortable taking mid-range shots such as this one earlier in December against the Los Angeles Clippers.

He has also battled all season long down low both scoring and grabbing rebounds.

https://twitter.com/fsnorth/status/942927586492944384

Not to mention he has taken on a leadership role with a new and young team. His growth is more than just his on-court play, it’s his on and off court leadership that is a factor in his early growth too.

Hopefully this version of Gibson is here to stay all season long and for the whole duration of his contract for that matter.

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