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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

By Luke Askew

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 08: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during warmups before the game against the Boston Celtics on March 8, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 08: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during warmups before the game against the Boston Celtics on March 8, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Tyus Jones

Tyus Jones won’t be filling the potential Jimmy Butler void anytime soon, but he could still be a ray of sunshine for the Wolves in a time when they seemingly need it most.

Jones is entering his fourth year as a pro and is starting to look like he has the potential to be the point guard of the future for Minnesota. The question is, when will his time come?

During his three seasons with the T-Wolves, Jones is only averaging 15.7 minutes per game. That’s not nearly a big enough opportunity for the former first round draft pick. He needs more minutes in order to prove that he has what it takes to be a starter in this league.

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Fortunately for Tyus, this might be the year he gets his opportunity.

On the surface, it seems like this will be a rough year for Jones. Jeff Teague is coming off a solid 2017-18 season where he averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. Then there’s Derrick Rose, who had a stellar run in the playoffs before the Wolves got eliminated in the first round.

Teague will in all likelihood be the starter for the entire season, but the backup point guard role is completely up for grabs. Obviously, it might be Rose who gets the nod at a Tom Thibodeau favorite, but Jones will have his shot. Don’t be surprised to see lineups featuring two point guards on the court for extended minutes either.

Jones’ opportunity for success really comes down to how much Thibodeau finally eases up on the heavy workload he dumps on his starters. If he starts to trust the bench more, Jones could be in line for a breakout season.

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