Bones Hyland has been an amazing story for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season. Going from earning the Wolves' final roster spot and almost playing overseas to being one of the team's most productive bench players is something that should make every fan smile.
Nevertheless, after trading for Ayo Dosunmu and signing Kyle Anderson, it was fair to wonder if Hyland's minutes were going to take a hit. These moves could be seen as the organization not having confidence in Bones. At the very least, it seemed like the Wolves were challenging Hyland to remain productive or possibly lose his spot in the rotation.
Bones has answered the call, though, and remained a key part of the Timberwolves' success. Since the Wolves traded for Ayo, Hyland is averaging 16.1 minutes and 8.7 points. Before that, Hyland was averaging 17.8 minutes and 8.9 points since earning a spot in the rotation.
He is currently on a hot streak, averaging 12.5 points on 46.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc in the past six games. In the past two games without Anthony Edwards. Hyland's presence has been even more vital, scoring 22 and 18 points respectively. It's safe to say that any concerns about Bones losing his spot in the rotation have been silenced and that he's responded to the Timberwolves' challenge.
Bones Hyland keeps exceeding expectations
Hyland is an erratic microwave scorer to some degree. Nevertheless, every night he plays with a smile on his face and a sense of contagious energy. For a team that can often be sluggish and moody, Bones' presence is crucial. To that end, Hyland also gives the Timberwolves some much-needed extra pace, and he is a key part of the team's new fast-paced identity.
Some players may have seen the Wolves trading for Ayo and signing Anderson as a slight against them and allowed it to negatively impact their game or mood. However, Bones has embraced his new teammates, continued to bring amazing energy, and proved once again why he deserves minutes.
The Timberwolves have lacked perimeter shot creation around Ant-Man for years -- Bones (and Dosunmu) have solved this issue. Bones' microwave scoring abilities have helped him play the role that Minnesota envisioned for Rob Dillingham at the beginning of the year.
I'm still not fully sold on whether the Bones Hyland experience will translate to the playoffs, given his inconsistent scoring and small stature. Regardless, Hyland has defied the odds, time and again this season, and I wouldn't put it past him to have a productive playoff run.
All in all, Hyland has proven to be a valuable part of the Timberwolves' success, and he has continuously exceeded expectations.