When discussing the Minnesota Timberwolves' success without Anthony Edwards, Bones Hyland might not be the first name to come up. Nevertheless, he absolutely deserves to be mentioned. Hyland has been a fantastic spark plug scorer off the bench, averaging 13.6 points per game during the past eight contests without Ant-Man. This scoring punch off the bench that Hyland has been consistently providing has helped the Wolves post a 6-2 record without Edwards.
Furthermore, Hyland's play is quickly helping him establish himself as one of the league's best bench scorers. Notably, over the past eight games, Hyland ranks sixth in bench points per game (among players who have come off the bench at least twice) and third in total bench points.
For a Timberwolves squad whose bench was questioned, Hyland is helping ease these concerns while simultaneously starting to establish himself as a top-tier microwave scorer.
Bones Hyland has been an elite bench scorer with Anthony Edwards out
Hyland rejuvenated his career last season, but he remained fairly erratic. His highs were as high as you could've hoped for off the bench, while his lows made him look unplayable. Partly due to these inconsistencies, Hyland started the season out of the rotation.
Encouragingly, Hyland has been ultra-consistent over the past eight games. He has only had two games scoring below 10 points, and in one of these off-nights he still shot 60 percent from the field. For the most part, though, Hyland has provided the Wolves with a consistent scoring punch each night. His most recent big game came on Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks, as he erupted for 24 points and eight assists.
Hyland has found an ideal combination of consistency and high-end production with Ant sidelined.
I'm not saying that Hyland is one of the league's best bench players. After all, he wasn't in the rotation to start the season. However, he's been playing like one of the league's best bench players, and if he can keep it up, then he will firmly establish himself as an elite bench player.
The promising part about Hyland's game is that he can thrive on or off the ball. Hyland is a silky-smooth on-ball scorer who can create offense out of nothing, all while being a highly dependable spot-up shooter.
Therefore, his success is sustainable once Edwards returns. Yes, minutes will be harder to come by, but Hyland's versatility will allow him to still be productive.
The Timberwolves are a nearly perfect team; they have an incredible starting lineup, a superb defense, and now Hyland is ensuring that they have a productive bench. Once Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo return, the Wolves' bench will reach another level. Between Hyland, DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu, and even Terrence Shannon Jr., the Wolves have an absurd amount of bench scoring.
With the level that Hyland is playing at, the Wolves' bench at full strength will be truly dominant. Overall, having a guy who currently looks like one of the league's best bench players is an absolute luxury, given all of the other advantages the Timberwolves have.
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