Bones Hyland is being granted a privilege that Rob Dillingham never had

It was quite the surprise on opening night for the Minnesota Timberwolves when Bones Hyland received minutes while Rob Dillingham was a DNP-CD. It wasn’t too long until Dillingham surpassed Hyland on the depth chart, but since December 8, again, Bones is the one who is receiving playing time.

Now 25 years old, Hyland has definitely added some juice to a bench that was lacking production outside of Naz Reid. Still, Hyland seemingly has been given a luxury that hasn’t been afforded to Dillingham.

Bones Hyland has helped bolster the Timberwolves' bench

After trailing by two after one quarter on Monday night, the Timberwolves outscored the Chicago Bulls 115-78 to secure a 35-point blowout win. Seeing over 14 minutes of game action, Hyland finished the outing with 12 points and one assist.

First checking in to begin the second quarter, the 2021 first-round draft pick got his shots up from the get-go. It took just 1:19 for him to attempt three field goals. Hyland missed a 3-pointer for Minnesota’s first shot in the second, but quickly followed that up with a made 3-pointer and a made layup. 

Hyland didn’t shoot nearly as frequently for the rest of the game, but the 6-foot-2 guard still put up eight attempts for the game (4-4 on 2-pointers, 1-4 from beyond the arc). 

That has been his game since entering the NBA with the Nuggets. Hyland will never put up high assist totals, but he’s been aggressive with his scoring.

Rob Dillingham back to sitting the pine

I’m not sure that Chris Finch has given Dillingham the same leash that he affords Hyland. Turning 21 years old on January 4, Dillingham knows that a couple missed shots or a turnover can send him right back to the bench.

The bench is where he remained on Monday night until the final 5:45 when the Timberwolves brought in their deep reserves with the game well in hand. It was encouraging to see Dillingham score five and hit his only 3-point try, but it’s hard to read too much into garbage time.

Watching Hyland play, and Dillingham wanting to play a similar style, it harkens back to a preseason quote from Finch regarding Dillingham: "Get in the paint and then make plays for your teammates."

While Dillingham isn’t a slouch as a distributor, he’s more of a score-first point guard, just as Hyland is. Half of Finch’s quote allows for Dillingham to be his optimal self (get in the paint), but the second half should be to either look for his shot (or get fouled), and if that’s not there, then find an open teammate.

I’m not going to sit here and pretend that Dillingham has been treated unfairly and not been given an opportunity. He has received numerous opportunities, but he still hasn’t done enough to earn Finch’s full trust. His efficiency has dropped from his rookie year, and while he has his moments of displaying surprising defensive chops, there’s a limited ceiling at that end for the slender guard.

Minnesota’s next game comes on the road Wednesday afternoon against the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta is where Dillingham spent his senior year of high school playing for Overtime Elite. Unfortunately, a return to Atlanta may see Dillingham once again not receive any meaningful minutes.