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Timberwolves Power Rankings: No Butler, no worries

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Marcus Georges-Hunt #13 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 14, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Marcus Georges-Hunt #13 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 14, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 16: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 16: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6. Nemanja Bjelica (9)

Season stats: 14.5 MPG – 5.9 PPG – 2.8 RPG – 0.7 APG – 50.3% FG – 43.8% 3PT – 82.6% FT

Weekly stats: 22.8 MPG – 10.3 PPG – 5.7 RPG – 2.7 APG – 40% FG – 41.7% 3PT – 85.7% FT

Nemanja Bjelica was the beneficiary of a battered and bruised Timberwolves lineup, promptly leapfrogging three power rankings spots in a solid week.

After struggling to find his rhythm and form, the extra minutes seemed to have served the Serbian big man well as he replaced Jimmy Butler in the starting five. Before the Butler/Crawford absence, Bjelly had a solid five-point, two-rebound, four-assist showing in the Houston loss, but his real power rankings week started after that.

Lining up as a starter for the second time in his NBA career, it wasn’t a massive night for the 29-year-old, but it was a helpful contribution for a wounded wolfpack. Bjelica had eight points and six rebounds, nailing 1-of-2 attempts from beyond the 3-point line.

With his ability to drain deep balls, fans were calling for Bjelly to hoist up more threes going forward, and it seems as though he listened.

Bjelica exploded at Staples Center, dropping 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists, flashing all parts of his game in a (hopefully) massive confidence builder. The outburst included a 3-of-9 performance from behind the arc, including a huge one in the final frame.

If Bjelica can use this game to propel him in his bench role when the injured Wolves return, the Timberwolves bench will get a huge boost.

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