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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 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) /

1. Tyus Jones

No. 1 should come as no surprise to anyone.

Tyus Jones has taken the opportunity he was given this season and has run with it. It is fair to say out of anyone of the Wolves roster, Jones has shown the most growth early on.

He has seen 16.7 minutes per game, the most in his career for one season, and started a few times for the first time in his career as well. Although he is scoring just four points per game, he is doing so efficiently. Jones is shooting just under 50 percent from the field this season compared to 41.4 percent last season. He is shooting 41 percent on threes this season, which is an improvement on 35.6 percent from last year, and from the free throw line Jones has shot 82.1 percent compared to 76.7 percent last season.

Heck, Jones is even grabbing nearly two rebounds per game this season compared to just over one last season. His assist total is the same as he is averaging 2.6 per game. However, Jones has displayed the pretty passes he had while at Duke.

His efficiency shows with his increased offensive rating. Last season, Jones had a 113.8 offensive rating. This year, Jones ranks third on the team thus far with a rating of 123.2. He sits only behind Aaron Brooks, who has played limited minutes in just 12 games, and Bjelica, who has been out with an injury for quite some time.

Jones has found himself playing red-hot in the month of December as well. Although he is averaging less minutes than in November Jones has been explosive on offense.

In December, Jones has shot 52.4 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from 3-point range, all in just 13.5 minutes per game. He, like Bjelica, is deserving of more playing time. Not only because of his hot streak this month but also for his improved defense all season.

As of right now Jones is fifth on the Wolves with a 108.7 defensive rating. Last season, he was eight with a defensive rating of 111.5. Nothing drastic however, it is still an improvement.

And much like the rest of the team, Jones has been forcing steals here and there averaging 1.1 per game.

https://twitter.com/fsnorth/status/942210748758999040

Stepping into a larger role this season has yet to faze Jones. Without a doubt Jones has shown the most growth on the Wolves early on this season.

Next: 5 reasons to not worry about the Timberwolves

We’ll have coverage of the Christmas Day game at the Lakers throughout the next couple of days. Enjoy the holiday, and stay tuned to Dunking With Wolves!

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