Bones Hyland’s future with the Minnesota Timberwolves is uncertain after inconsistent playoff performances. After the Timberwolves signed him to a two-way deal in late February of 2025, many questioned why they brought back the 6-foot-2 guard after limited use last season, where he played just four games for 17 minutes.
The 25-year-old’s playoff run has been uneven. Hyland went scoreless in Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs and did not score a field goal in the series-clinching Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets.
Hyland’s Playoff Performance Under Scrutiny
Minnesota are three wins away from their third consecutive Western Conference finals, but Bones’ rotation spot may be at risk. Hyland’s previous playoff history with the Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers wasn’t stellar. Across 13 postseason games with those teams, Hyland shot 35.6 percent from the field and 29.2 percent from beyond the arc.
His shooting numbers have dipped further in his first seven playoff games this year. The 2021 first-round pick has made 14 of 40 field goal attempts (35.0 percent) and 8 of 28 3-point tries (28.6 percent).
In the last two games, Hyland is 0-for-9 from the field and 0-for-7 from 3-point range.
- Hyland has more playoff games without a 3-point make (four) than with (three).
Rotation Spot Contingent on Dosunmu’s Availability
Chris Finch may need to consider his options for Game 2. Even without Ayo Dosunmu, Hyland has only played around 21 minutes total over the last two games (the first also was without Edwards).
Hyland’s playing time may depend on Ayo Dosunmu’s availability, who has missed the last two playoff games with a sore calf.
Finch favours Mike Conley. He played well in Game 1 as part of the starting 5, making it difficult to imagine him not receiving minutes.
Jaylen Clark could continue to see time as a defensive presence against San Antonio’s backcourt of De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. Terrence Shannon Jr. has been scoring more frequently than Hyland recently.
Can Hyland Reclaim His Scoring Touch?
If Dosunmu returns, it remains to be seen if there is room for Bones. If there is, it would benefit both Hyland and the team if he could rediscover his regular season form and start making baskets again.