The Minnesota Timberwolves have spent much of this season navigating a clear issue: inconsistent guard play and a lack of reliable bench scoring. That problem hasn’t gone away, but they’ve found at least a partial answer in Bones Hyland, who’s given them flashes of what he can bring off the bench since being inserted into the rotation in mid-December.
Hyland’s time in Minnesota has been a microcosm of his NBA journey so far - moments of real promise, followed by stretches where he struggles to find his rhythm. He’s averaging 6.7 points and 2.5 assists on shooting splits of 45.5% from the field, 35.8% from three, and 66.7% at the line. Those numbers don’t leap off the page, but they tell the story of a player who can heat up quickly - and cool off just as fast.
Take Monday night, for example. Hyland was instrumental in snapping the Wolves’ five-game losing streak, putting up 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
That’s the version of Hyland Minnesota needs - a high-energy scorer who can shift momentum and keep the offense afloat when the starters sit. But during the losing streak that preceded that win, he averaged just 3.4 points per game on 38.9% shooting.
That kind of drop-off is exactly what makes his role complicated.
The trade deadline is looming, and there’s talk that Minnesota could look to bolster its backcourt - or perhaps target more wing depth with someone like Keon Ellis. But even if a move is made, it’s reasonable to expect Hyland to stick in the rotation. Right now, he’s the second-most trusted bench scorer behind Naz Reid, and that’s not a role you can easily replace midseason - especially with limited assets to work with.
Depth matters more than ever in today’s NBA, and Hyland, for all his flaws, gives the Wolves something they need: a change-of-pace guard who can create his own shot. He’s not a traditional floor general - he’s not going to control tempo or organize the offense like a Mike Conley - but he brings a spark.
When his shot is falling, he can swing a quarter. When it’s not, his defensive limitations and lack of size become more glaring.
That’s the gamble with Hyland. He’s not going to be consistent - that’s just not who he is as a player right now.
But the Wolves are in a position where they might have to live with that. Unless they pull off a deal that brings in two legitimate contributors without parting with a rotation player - which feels unlikely - Hyland is going to be part of the plan moving forward.
They could turn to someone like Jaylen Clark for defense or hope Terrence Shannon Jr. finds his footing, but neither offers the scoring upside that Hyland brings. And while Mike Conley still logs heavy minutes and remains a steadying presence, the team can’t lean on him forever. Eventually, they’ll need to find sustainable production from the bench, and Hyland, for better or worse, is one of the few players on the roster who can provide that in bursts.
So as the deadline approaches, don’t be surprised if the Wolves make a move. But also don’t be surprised if Bones Hyland is still logging meaningful minutes down the stretch.
His role might shift, his minutes might fluctuate, but his ability to change a game with a hot hand keeps him in the mix. In a league where bench scoring can swing playoff games, that’s not something you give up lightly.