Bones Hyland is already making the Timberwolves rethink their rotation

When the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Bones Hyland in September, it was largely seen as a throwaway move to round out their roster. Hyland previously spent the second half of last season with the Wolves on a two-way contract. During this tenure he only logged a total of 17 minutes across four games.

However, through two preseason games, the 2021 first-round pick has impressed. Hyland is averaging 17.5 minutes, 14.5 points while shooting 60 percent from the field. This includes a huge 18-point performance in the Wolves’ first preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. His 11 points against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday don’t stand out in the same way, but he did so in just 12 minutes.

Hyland’s strong play is matched by the struggles of sophomore guard Rob Dillingham. Through two preseason games, Dillingham is averaging five points, 6.5 assists and 3.5 turnovers on 23.5 percent shooting from the field.

If this trend continues, Hyland could crack the Wolves’ rotation to some extent

Chris Finch has openly discussed the fact that Wolves will play at least nine players; however, who that ninth (and perhaps tenth) player might be could change depending on the situation. Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo and Terrence Shannon Jr. appear to be the only bench players who will remain a consistent part of the Wolves rotation.

Dillingham, Jaylen Clark, Joan Beringer and Hyland will all compete for spot minutes in hopes of eventually playing a consistent role. Hyland is unlikely to immediately beat Dillingham in the pecking order, even if this trend continues through the remainder of the preseason. Frankly, this would be foolhardy considering the Wolves invested two future first-round picks to trade for Dillingham in the 2024 draft.

Nevertheless, if Dillingham struggles in the regular season and the Wolves get off to a slow start, it’s possible Hyland could switch him into the Wolves’ rotation. This would undoubtedly be a tough call for Finch, given the aforementioned investment in Dillingham. Still, Finch values ​​winning more than anything, and for a team with title hopes, they might not be as patient with Dillingham.

The similarities between Hyland and Dillingham are clear. Both players are smaller, twitchy guards who provide microwave scoring at all three levels and can generate shots for others. The Wolves could benefit from these exact skills as Mike Conley ages. At this point, though, Hyland seems more willing to contribute, and that makes sense considering he’s five years older.

Although it’s only two preseason games, if this trend of Hyland making the most of minutes and Dillingham struggling continues into the regular season, Finch will be faced with a tough decision.