With the regular season rapidly approaching and training camp beginning in September, the Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up to repeat and build upon their consecutive Western Conference playoffs appearances.
During the free agency period, Minnesota prioritized retaining their own, re-signing Naz Reid and Julius Randle to long-term deals, as well as re-signing Joe Ingles to a one year deal. A key position that has been discussed throughout the off season for Minnesota is addressing the point guard position.
With Mike Conley entering his 19th season in the NBA and the uncertainty in Rob Dillingham's development, it is more important than ever for Minnesota to find a bridge between both. With one remaining roster spot, the Wolves are weighing all options to find the best fit for the team.
In doing so, The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski reported that Minnesota has looked into guards Landry Shamet, Malcom Brogdon and Cameron Payne, but all signs point toward Minnesota bringing back guard Bones Hyland, to round out the roster. Plus, Krawczynski later said that Hyland will get the Wolves open roster spot.
This past season, Hyland logged 24 appearances for the Los Angeles Clippers and Timberwolves, in which he averaged 6.2 points on 39.8% from the field. After beginning the season with the Clippers, Hyland was waived and eventually signed a two-way deal with Minnesota.
When comparing the likely signing of Hyland to some of the other free agent options, pursuing other options may be in their favor.
Alternative options instead of signing Hyland
The case against signing Hyland can be found throughout his career. In his four-year career, Hyland has already been on three teams, including being traded from the Denver Nuggets in just his second year, after reports of locker room tensions involving Hyland.
Hyland similarly to Rob Dillingham offers a wiry build as a guard, measuring at 6-foot-2 and 173 pounds. This build is redundant to that of Dillingham, who is younger and showcases an amplified version of the same playstyle.
With teams acting in fear of the second-apron, a lot of quality talent is still available this late in free agency, and Minnesota can take full advantage by signing quality guards to compete for guard minutes. Among the options include the aforementioned Malcom Brogdon, Landry Shamet, and Cameron Payne. But other options include veteran guard Alec Burks and a high-upside swing, in Dalano Banton.
Among the pool, Brogdon would have the best path to logging heavy minutes, if not starting, as he is a proven vet in the league with a proven ability to pass, shoot, and limit turnovers all immediate needs for Minnesota. Burks, and Shamet offer combo-guard skills, aiming to fill in the void of losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency. Both guards offer size and shooting, all essential for Minnesota.
A fun/interesting option for Minnesota would be looking into former Trail Blazer, Dalano Banton. Banton measures in at a staggering 6-foot-9 point guard. It would be irresponsible not to mention that Banton had shooting splits of 39/32/78, but Banton has shown promise at times in his four-year career, averaging 16.7 points in 24 games with the Trailblazers in the 2023-24 season.
The options mentioned in favor over retaining Hyland bring stability and proven NBA skills, along with the intrigue of Banton's size and potential as a ballhandler, all offer things that Hyland does not.
The case for signing Hyland
Hyland is cut from the Jamal Crawford, Rafer Alston, streetball style of play. When Hyland is dribbling, it seems although he has the ball on a string and can create space against anyone. Hyland's strong handle could benefit Minnesota, providing another strong ballhandler at the point guard position, but can also be of mentoring to guard Dillingham.
Dillingham and Hyland are eerily similar, with the only notable difference being that Dillingham offers more point guard skills. Both players come from the streetball, ball on a string playstyle, so Hyland could offer as a young mentor to Dillingham. When Minnesota signed Hyland during last season, it seemed that they built a relationship on the bench and the court.
The similar build and skillset of Hyland could be of benefit in preparing Dillingham to hopefully take the reins of starting point guard in the near future.