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Timberwolves Power Rankings: Wolves hit rough patch

By Jake Paynting

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25 Karl-Anthony Towns #32 Jeff Teague #0 Jimmy Butler #23 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25 Karl-Anthony Towns #32 Jeff Teague #0 Jimmy Butler #23 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 24: Tom Thibodeau talks to Nemanja Bjelica #8 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 24, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 24: Tom Thibodeau talks to Nemanja Bjelica #8 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 24, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

7. Nemanja Bjelica (6)

Season stats: 15.8 MPG – 6.0 PPG – 3.1 RPG – 0.6 SPG – 49.7% FG – 44.7% 3PT – 84% FT

Weekly stats: 24.0 MPG – 6.4 PPG – 5.0 RPG – 1.4 SPG – 46.2% FG – 50% 3PT – 100% FT

After a mid-foot injury seemed like it could derail the efficient season Nemanja Bjelica had put together prior, the big Serbian has bounced back lately to prove he is still the most deadly 3-point threat for the Timberwolves.

When Bjelly returned from injury he looked rigid and reluctant to fire from distance like he did earlier in the season, but lately the quick trigger has come back. Professor Big Shots knocked down six of his 12 3-point attempts this power rankings week, regaining his status as an elite long-range bomber.

Bjelica buried a triple in all but one game this week – which happened to be the win over Brooklyn – and proved over the Butler-less games that he is a capable starter at either the small forward or power forward position.

Starting in Jimmy G. Buckets’ place in the first two outings of the week, he posted nine points, seven rebounds and two steals against the Blazers and backed that up with 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals in Oakland against the reigning champions.

Bjelica returned to his usual backup role from the Nets game onward, averaging 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds over the final three games, including grabbing a steal in each of the outings.

The big man hasn’t always shown a penchant to rack up steals, but his hands were as quick as ever this week. Steals are even more important when they lead to easy buckets, and with Bjelly’s ability to run the floor and dish out passes his recent thievery is good news for Timberwolves fans.

Let’s hope Nemanja Bjelica can keep up his 3-point mastery and newfound defensive exploits moving forward.

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