Mike Conley's play has been a defining part of the Minnesota Timberwolves' season so far. The 38-year-old point guard has declined, averaging career lows of 19.3 minutes, 5.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists on 36.3/36.6/93.1 shooting splits. Conley's lack of shot creation burst, and defense are concerning.
Timberwolves fans have been begging for his minutes to be reduced. I don't think removing him from the rotation is reasonable, but giving him a lesser role is. Frankly, though, it never seemed likely that his minutes would be reduced. That is, until Bones Hyland had a breakout performance on Monday night against the Phoenix Suns. Notably, Hyland poured in 14 points (four 3-pointers) and three assists.
Sure, Chris Finch could have cut some of Conley's minutes in favor of Jaylen Clark. However, the Wolves need point guard play, so this was never all too realistic. Now, though, with Hyland's emergence, cutting some of Conley's minutes has never seemed more likely. It might have been a one-off performance for Hyland. Regardless, if Bones can replicate anything close to this production, Finch will be forced to cut some of Conley's minutes.
Despite his flaws, Conley still provides a stabilizing playmaking presence that Bones can't replicate. Conley still adds some value that nobody else can provide, but his lack of shot creation hurts the team. Not to mention, Conley's veteran leadership is vital, and he has been a key part of the Wolves becoming a conference finals team. That is why this predicament is so challenging for the Wolves.
The Timberwolves are in a tough spot with Conley
If Bones can keep up his production (which is certainly an if), he'll have to get more minutes. There's no denying that Hyland could give the Wolves the skill set they desire. He is a dynamic creator who gives the Wolves a much-needed scoring punch. Hyland can shoot from beyond the arc and generate rim pressure. Notably, Hyland is shooting 68.8 percent at the rim and 42.9 percent on pull-up 3-pointers.
Conversely, Conley is shooting 42.9 percent at the rim and 29.6 percent on pull-up 3s. Dillingham is shooting 51.9 percent and 25 percent on such shots. In his first meaningful opportunity since October, Hyland topped Conley's and Dillingham's season high. Yes, it's a small sample size for Hyland, who has played 135 minutes all season, but he has been the Wolves' most gifted scorer out of this point guard trio.
Having a guard capable of creating for himself benefits Anthony Edwards immensely. Donte DiVincenzo is the closest to providing this skill set, yet he is best utilized off the ball. Again, it's a small sample size, but Edwards and Hyland have a plus-25.6 net rating. However, Ant has a minus-15.9 with Conley and a minus-2.5 net rating with Dillingham. That has to count for something, right?
The tricky thing is that the Wolves have struggled with decision-making all season. Even given his declining play, Conley can still provide that, and it's clear Finch trusts him. Notably, Minnesota's 18.6 clutch-time turnover percentage is the league's worst mark. He has an elite 4.53 assist-to-turnover ratio and ranks in the 85th percentile for assist-to-usage ratio. Despite Hyland's scoring prowess, he can be erratic as a playmaker. Even on Monday night, Hyland had three turnovers.
It's a give-and-take situation as neither player is perfect. The Wolves absolutely need Hyland's scoring punch, and if he has more games like Monday, he'll certainly take away minutes from Conley. How many Conley minutes they can afford to cut, given his playmaking, though, will be a delicate balance for Finch.