When the Minnesota Timberwolves brought back Bones Hyland late in the offseason, it might’ve looked like a minor roster move - a familiar face filling out the depth chart. But now, just a few weeks into the season, it’s clear this wasn’t just a feel-good reunion. This was a calculated bet by president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, and it’s starting to pay real dividends.
Let’s rewind for a second. Connelly drafted Hyland back in 2021 when he was running the show in Denver.
That connection didn’t just fade when Connelly moved on to Minnesota. In fact, it may have been the key to Hyland getting another shot in the league.
On media day, Hyland shared a story that perfectly captures their bond - rapping one of his own songs for Connelly and the Nuggets front office during the pre-draft process. That moment of personality and confidence stuck, and it’s clearly something Connelly never forgot.
“That’s my guy, man,” Hyland said. “I remember, draft combine - him and the front office - I had rapped one of my songs for them.
Ever since then, we just have had a really good connection. Just that belief he has in me, he has my back.”
That belief is turning into opportunity, and Hyland’s making the most of it. After starting the season outside the rotation, the 6-foot-2 guard has played his way into meaningful minutes - and more importantly, into the starting lineup.
With Anthony Edwards sidelined, Hyland has stepped up with back-to-back starts and a pair of 14+ point performances in his last two fully healthy games. His ability to create offense off the dribble and stretch the floor has been a breath of fresh air for a team that’s needed a scoring jolt from the perimeter.
This is where Connelly’s eye for talent comes into focus. NBA analyst Zach Lowe summed it up well:
“If Tim Connelly likes a player, you gotta pause and go okay, what am I missing? Because Tim Connelly’s track record speaks for itself.”
He’s not wrong. Connelly drafted Nikola Jokić in the second round back in 2014 - a pick that will go down as one of the greatest steals in league history.
He also landed Jamal Murray at No. 7 and played a huge role in assembling the Nuggets’ championship core. In Minnesota, while the draft results haven’t quite matched that level, his bold trades for Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle have helped push the Wolves to back-to-back conference finals appearances.
So when Connelly believes in a player - especially one he’s worked with before - it’s worth paying attention.
Hyland’s journey hasn’t been linear. After showing promise as a sparkplug scorer in Denver - averaging nearly 11 points per game on solid shooting splits - he clashed with head coach Michael Malone and was eventually traded to the Clippers.
But in L.A., he struggled to find a role in a crowded backcourt. By the end of last season, he was on a two-way deal with Minnesota, and this past offseason, he was close to heading overseas.
That’s how quickly things can change in the NBA. One minute, you’re a rising sixth man. The next, you’re fighting for a roster spot.
But Hyland’s talent never disappeared. He’s always had the tools - quick handle, deep range, and a fearless scoring mentality.
What he needed was the right situation. And now, with the Wolves needing bench production and shot creation - especially with Edwards out - Hyland is showing he’s more than just a depth piece.
It’s also worth noting: for all the excitement around rookie Rob Dillingham, Hyland’s experience and polish as a three-level scorer make him a more natural fit in the rotation right now. He’s 25, he’s been through the ups and downs, and he’s playing like a guy who knows this opportunity matters.
Hyland’s emergence might not have been the headline move of the offseason, but it’s starting to look like one of the most important ones for Minnesota. And once again, Tim Connelly’s belief in a player - even when others looked the other way - is proving to be more than just a hunch. It’s another example of why he’s one of the most respected executives in the league.