When the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Bones Hyland in September, it was largely viewed as a throwaway move to round out their roster. Hyland previously spent the second half of last season with the Wolves on a two-way contract. During this tenure, he recorded just 17 total minutes across four games.
However, through two preseason games, the 2021 first-round pick has impressed. Hyland is averaging 17.5 minutes, 14.5 points, while shooting 60 percent from the field. This includes a stellar 18-point outing in the Wolves' first preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. His 11 points against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday don't jump out in the same way, but he did so in just 12 minutes.
Hyland's strong play is paired with second-year guard Rob Dillingham struggling. Through two preseason games, Dillingham is averaging five points, 6.5 assists, and 3.5 turnovers on 23.5 percent shooting from the field.
If this trend continues, Hyland could crack the Wolves' rotation to some degree
Chris Finch has openly discussed the fact that the Wolves will play at least nine players; however, who that ninth (and perhaps tenth) player could be changes based on the situation. Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Terrence Shannon Jr. seem like the lone bench players who will remain a consistent part of the Wolves' rotation.
Dillingham, Jaylen Clark, Joan Beringer, and Hyland will all be competing for spot minutes with the hope of eventually carving out a consistent role. It's unlikely that Hyland will immediately knock off Dillingham in the pecking order, even if this trend continues during the remainder of the preseason. Frankly, doing so would be reckless given that the Wolves invested two future first-round picks to trade up for Dillingham in the 2024 draft.
Nevertheless, if Dillingham struggles in the regular season and the Wolves get off to a slow start, it's possible Hyland jumps him in the Wolves' rotation. Undoubtedly, this would be a tough call for Finch, given the previously mentioned investment in Dillingham. Still, Finch values winning above all, and for a team with title hopes, they might not be able to be so patient with Dillingham.
The similarities between Hyland and Dillingham are clear. Both players are smaller, twitchy guards who provide microwave scoring at all three levels and can generate shots for others. The Wolves could benefit from this exact skill set as Mike Conley ages. Right now, though, Hyland looks more ready to contribute, and that makes sense as he's five years older.
While it's only two preseason games, if this trend of Hyland making the most of minutes and Dillingham struggling carries over into the regular season, Finch will be left with a difficult decision.