Bones Hyland led the Timberwolves in scoring as they opened the preseason Saturday with a win over Denver and he could be making a strong case for regular playing time, writes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Hyland finished with 18 points, three assists and one turnover in 22 minutes, building on a strong performance during training camp.
Hyland is currently third on the depth chart at point guard behind Mike Conley and Rob Dillingham, according to Krawczynski, who notes that Minnesota has a lot invested in Dillingham after trading up to select him with the eighth pick in the 2024 draft. He saw limited playing time as a rookie, appearing in 49 games and averaging 4.5 points and 2.0 assists in 10.5 minutes per night.
Hyland re-signed with the Wolves in September after joining the team in late February on a two-way contract. He formed a bond with Dillingham last season and has been supportive of his younger teammate.
“He kind of reminds me of myself,” Hyland said. “We’re both shifty. We’re both slim-framed. We both have heart. … He really is like a little brother to me.”
There’s more from Minnesota:
- Rudy Gobert looked sharp in the preseason opener and said he feels good after skipping international basketball this summer, Krawczynski adds. After playing in the 2024 Olympics, Gobert bypassed an opportunity to represent France at EuroBasket. “As much as I love it, I had to make the decision this summer to focus on recharging the batteries,” he said. “It also allows me to work differently — work on my body, get stronger. As a competitor, it’s never easy. But you’ve also got to be smart about thinking about what’s best for your body and your mind.”
- First-round pick Joan Beringer had an impressive debut with 14 points and four rebounds in nearly 24 minutes. On the downside, Krawczynski notes that he committed five fouls and was often overpowered by Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas. “He’s so strong,” Beringer said of Valanciunas. “I couldn’t move him.”
- Second-round pick Rocco Zikarsky also had an intriguing game with eight points and nine rebounds in 13 minutes, Krawczynski observes. The 7’3″ Australian center is on a two-way contract and is expected to spend most of the season in the G League.
- The Wolves wrapped up a calm training camp, and the drama-free approach could be a positive sign for the regular season, suggests Chris Hine of The Star Tribune.
Timberwolves need to win the west or restructure the team. Looking for ant take a big leap this year. They definitely need to add another PG who can run an offense.
I think the Twolves will be happy to keep getting to the WCF – I see no reason for them to restructure which could easily backfire.
Just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they don’t exist
And just because you do, doesn’t mean it needs to happen.
Wolves have a lot of options and a lot of plans that can unfold. Don’t act like your plan is law.
Didn’t say it needs to happen……now. but there are a lot of consistent issues that keep occuring. Do you think it’s a good idea to keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different? Do you know there’s a term for that?
You must be the suns GM burner account.
How does that even make sense?
Don’t be surprised if Gobert is playing elsewhere after this upcoming season. Those 2 Centers were drafted for a reason. Also, anticipate more court time and development from Dillingham for when Conley is no longer around after this upcoming season.