Timberwolves Power Rankings: No Butler, no worries

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 24: Shabazz Muhammad #15 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against 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) /

11. Shabazz Muhammad (Unranked)

Season stats: 10.1 MPG – 3.9 PPG – 1.5 RPG – 38.2% FG – 21.1% 3PT – 71.4% FT

Weekly stats: 10.1 MPG – 6.5 PPG – 1.5 RPG – 44.4% FG – 62.5% FT

Welcome back to the power rankings, Shabazz Muhammad!

The 25-year-old makes his return after failing to find a place in the last seven editions of the weekly power rankings, but Bazz didn’t exactly make a huge splash.

Muhammad has long struggled to get minutes in coach Tom Thibodeau’s tight rotation, but with wings Jimmy Butler and Jamal Crawford out in the final two games of the week, he got his chance. The ball-dominant, shot-hungry style of play that many had hoped would have changed after being benched was still far too existent, however.

The 6-foot-6 forward hit just 1-of-4 from the field in his 11 minutes against the Raptors, but did manage to nail 5-of-8 free throws, giving him seven points on the night.

In L.A., Bazz had a more efficient game box score wise, nailing 3-of-5 shots for six points, but he was afforded just eight minutes on the night. The reason for the low minute total, even with two big minutes-getters out is simple: Muhammad doesn’t look to move the ball, and doesn’t play defense with nearly enough energy.

The losses on the wing helped Muhammad to get some meaningful minutes this week, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t get many more when Butler and Crawford return.

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