Nemanja Bjelica is fourth in our review of Minnesota Timberwolves players from 2017-18. Here’s a look at how the veteran played played as a starter and bench player this season.
Nemanja Bjelica is a player that plays as good as his confidence levels.
There were times during the season when his confidence was off the charts and he played great basketball. Then, there were nights when he wouldn’t shoot the open three.
We saw it both last year as well as this year: Bjelica plays well, then ends up getting injured and having it severely throws off his game. However, the best basketball we saw from him in his three-year career was when he was thrown into the starting lineup to replace All-Star Jimmy Butler when Butler sat out due to injury.
On the season, Bjelica averaged 6.8 points (46.1 field goal percentage and 41.5 3-point percentage), 4.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.2 blocks, 0.7 steals. The difference between Bjelica starting and coming off the bench is night and day.
- Starter: 21 GP, 34.0 MPG, 10.8 PPG (44.3 FG% and 41.6 3P%), 6.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
- Bench: 46 GP, 14.3 MPG, 5.0 PPG (48.0 FG% and 41.5 3P%), 2.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Of course, playing more minutes will contribute to larger stats and comfortably getting regular minutes. Seeing what he can do if he gets regular minutes shows that he can be a valuable player, but it comes down to whether or not Tom Thibodeau decides to break his habit of running his starters a high number of minutes.
One thing that we saw more of this year was Bjelica’s ability to shoot the ball from 3-point range. This year, he averaged 41.5 percent from three on 2.7 attempts per game — almost a 10 percent increase from last year.
Not only did we see him make more shots, but we saw him expand his range even further.
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/971921265626791938
B3li already dialed in from beyond the arc! @NemanjaBjelica came into tonight's game ranked 2nd in the @NBA in 3PT% at 59.1% #AllEyesNorth https://t.co/yHaGqjTa5U
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 5, 2017
For a Minnesota team that ranked dead last in 3-point attempts and makes, Bjelica was able to come in and provide a much needed spacing on the floor. This season, he was tied for 19th in the league in 3-point percentage in the NBA.
Going into next year, it will be interesting to see what Minnesota decides to do with him. Same goes for what Bjelica decides to do in the offseason. He’s set to become a restricted free agent and it will ultimately be Minnesota’s choice as to whether or not they want to sign him or match any offer he takes in the open market.
Minnesota would be wise to bring him back because he did provide good minutes when he was given them. That and his ability to shoot and space the floor is something Minnesota can’t let go. If the price is too high for Minnesota to match, it would be understandable if they let him walk. For now it should be a priority to bring him back.
Bjelica is going to be turning 30 on May 9, and Minnesota may value a younger and/or cheaper player depending on how things shake out. His age is something to consider even though he just finished his third year — remember, he played in the Euroleague for a few years, and signing him to a long-term contract now could be dangerous as he moves out of his prime years.
Bjelica provided big minutes in place of Butler when he was out, and his 3-point shooting and size was extremely valuable. Plus, the Wolves were able to move him around the floor because his size and athleticism allowed him to play many positions.
Next: A guide to the Timberwolves' pending free agents
Even though he didn’t see regular minutes, Bjelica was still a solid player for the Wolves this season and should continue to be a rotation player for a playoff team moving forward. The question is, will it be in Minnesota or will it be elsewhere?