NBA training camp and preseason can be used not only to finalize rosters but also to set rotations heading into the regular season.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, their starting lineup is set. Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Joan Beringer will be coming off the bench. After that, things are less clear.
Another player who will probably play in Minnesota’s first regular-season game, Bones Hyland, also spent most of last season in the rotation, and Minnesota re-signed him this offseason. While he may start the year in the rotation, a slow start could take him out quickly, as it did in last season’s playoffs.
Hyland’s rotation spot could be tenuous
The Timberwolves do not have much invested in the 26-year-old Hyland. Minnesota brought him back on a one-year veteran’s minimum deal worth about $2.85 million.
The 2021 first-round pick looked to be earning himself a mult-iyear deal worth considerably more than the veteran’s minimum. During the regular season, Hyland averaged 8.5 points and connected on 38.8 percent of his 3-point attempts in 16.6 minutes per game. Not only was he an efficient 3-point shooter, but Hyland also got to the rim at the highest frequency of his career.
Thoughts of a multiyear deal vanished after a poor postseason showing. Unfortunately, underperforming in the playoffs has been a trend throughout Hyland’s career. He shot just 30 percent from the field and 26.5 percent from beyond the arc in the 2026 playoffs. That’s not far off from his career marks of 33.6 percent and 28.0 percent, respectively, in 23 postseason outings.
Ayo Dosunmu will come off the bench—as long as the starting lineup is available—after both coming off the bench and starting last season for the Timberwolves following their trade for him in February. If Hyland’s play isn’t up to par, Dosunmu can play the majority of the backup point guard minutes.
To start the year, even if Hyland is playing, his minutes could be somewhat limited. Chris Finch could give him the quick hook if he isn't making much of an impact on the floor.
Given Hyland’s slight frame, it will always be difficult for him to become a plus defender. However, he needs to limit the lapses he is prone to on that end of the floor. Minnesota could be forging an even stronger defensive identity this year, as it could have a rim protector on the court for all 48 minutes.
It was surprising when Hyland was playing over Rob Dillingham to begin last season. It was a feel-good story for a player who seemed to be close to being out of the league. However, it would be less surprising if Hyland lost his rotation spot this year due to subpar play.
Add us as a preferred source on Google