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Minnesota Timberwolves: Mid-season report card

By Brian Sampson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 24: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on October 24, 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 – OCTOBER 24: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on October 24, 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) /

Nemanja Bjelica: B-

Nemanja Bjelica got off to a scorching-hot start this season, especially from downtown. He as knocking down 51.2 percent of his outside shots and was really giving Minnesota a nice boost off the bench.

Throughout the first couple of months, Bjelica was gaining confidence with every game. He wasn’t hesitating to hoist up shots from distance and opposing teams were beginning to gameplan against him.

Unfortunately, he sprained his left foot and was sidelined for 15 games and hasn’t been the same since.

He’s only 1-for-10 from three since his return and has begun to see his minutes dip which is unfortunate. That cold-shooting is the main reason his grade isn’t any higher.

Even when Bjelica’s shot isn’t falling, he can be useful for this team. He’s a good driver and playmaker for others on offense. And on defense, he plays hard despite his physical limitations. Minnesota would be smart to utilize him in more of a playmaker role and try to help him regain his confidence.

He has great potential to be the role player Minnesota desperately needs to help spark them off the bench. Thibodeau needs to find a way to utilize him that best fits his abilities and taps into that much-needed potential.

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