Have the Timberwolves found something with Bones Hyland?

Hyland opted to re-sign with Minnesota this offseason on a one-year minimum free agent contract. He began the season as a top option off the bench, playing at least 16 minutes in three of the first five games. He didn't reach that mark again until Dec. 8 against the Suns.

He has now played at least 16 minutes in two of the last three games. He has averaged 16.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. He has shot 61.1% from the field and 50.0% from three-point range in those two games with only five total turnovers.

Hyland made his first career start for the Wolves last Friday against the Warriors, but he left after only five minutes due to a right knee contusion, according to the team. He responded with his best performance in a Minnesota uniform on Sunday night.

It's clear that Mike Conley Jr. has taken an even bigger step back this season, averaging only 5.3 points and 3.2 assists per game, and Rob Dillingham doesn't yet look ready for an expanded role. At 25 years old, Hyland might be the perfect bridge option as Minnesota looks to solve its point guard problem long-term.

Conley has missed the last two games alongside Edwards, so Hyland's role will likely decrease with the return of both players. Does it have to? Hyland is not the traditional pass-first point guard, and he might be more natural at the shooting guard position, but that might just work for this Timberwolves team. He's shooting an efficient 53.3% from the field on 3.5 attempts per game this season. At the very least, he has proven that he deserves a more consistent role off the bench than 10.4 minutes per game.