Bones Hyland’s Rise Tightens the Rotation, Leaves Rob Dillingham on the Outside Looking In
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the thick of a Western Conference race that doesn’t leave much room for growing pains - especially not in the backcourt. And right now, that’s where Rob Dillingham finds himself: on the outside of the rotation, watching as Bones Hyland steps into a bigger role and makes the most of it.
Let’s be clear - Dillingham hasn’t completely fallen off the radar. He’s still been part of the rotation for most of the season.
But his second year hasn’t brought the leap many hoped for. He’s averaging just 10.6 minutes, 3.7 points, 2 assists, and 1.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 34.9% from the field, 29.2% from deep, and 71.4% from the line.
Those are tough numbers for a guard trying to earn meaningful minutes on a playoff-caliber team.
Two weeks ago, the shift began to take shape. In a matchup against the Phoenix Suns, head coach Chris Finch turned to Hyland - and he delivered, dropping 14 points and injecting some much-needed juice into the Wolves' second unit. Since then, Hyland’s role has only grown, and Dillingham’s has steadily shrunk.
When veteran point guard Mike Conley went down with an injury, it gave Dillingham a brief window to stay in the mix. But now that Conley is back and Hyland continues to impress, Dillingham’s spot in the rotation has all but disappeared. He didn’t play in Conley’s first game back - not surprising, but certainly telling.
Bones Hyland Is Seizing the Moment
Hyland’s recent run has been more than just a hot streak - it’s been a statement. Since reentering the rotation (aside from a brief exit against Golden State due to injury), Hyland has averaged 24.2 minutes, 13.2 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds per game. More importantly, he’s doing it efficiently - shooting 48.8% from the field, 40% from three, and 85.7% from the line.
That kind of production is hard to ignore, especially for a Timberwolves team that ranks 26th in the league in bench scoring. Right now, Naz Reid is carrying a massive load off the bench, accounting for nearly 44% of the Wolves’ second-unit points. That’s not sustainable, and it’s why Hyland’s emergence matters so much.
Hyland brings a different flavor to the offense. He’s got the kind of speed and handle that can break down defenses and create rim pressure - something Minnesota has lacked outside of Anthony Edwards. Add in his ability to hit tough threes off the dribble, and it’s easy to see why he’s becoming a key piece.
The advanced metrics back it up. According to Cleaning the Glass, Hyland has a +4.1 net on/off swing, meaning the Wolves are significantly better with him on the court. By contrast, Dillingham’s net swing is -8.3 - a tough pill to swallow for a young guard still trying to find his footing.
Dillingham’s Future in Minnesota Is Uncertain
There’s no denying the similarities between Dillingham and Hyland. Both are undersized, quick-twitch guards with scoring instincts.
But at 25, Hyland is further along in his development. He knows how to operate within an NBA offense, and he’s proving he can contribute to winning basketball right now.
Dillingham, on the other hand, is still figuring it out. And while that’s not unusual for a 20-year-old in just his second season, the Wolves are in a position where they can’t afford to wait. They’re chasing wins - not developmental reps.
It’s a tough spot for Dillingham, especially considering the Wolves traded up to grab him in the lottery just a year and a half ago. There’s real investment there. But if Minnesota decides to explore the trade market for another point guard, Dillingham could be part of that conversation.
No Easy Answers
This isn’t a simple case of a player not being good enough. Dillingham has talent - that much is clear. But talent alone doesn’t guarantee minutes, especially when another player at your position is playing better and filling a pressing need.
Hyland’s breakout is giving the Wolves what they’ve been missing: a dynamic perimeter scorer off the bench who can keep the offense humming when the starters sit. That’s not just a luxury - it’s a necessity for a team with postseason aspirations.
For now, Dillingham finds himself in a holding pattern. He’s young, and his story in the league is far from over. But in Minnesota, the rotation is tightening - and Bones Hyland is making it harder for anyone to pry the door back open.