A fan favorite and one many wishes got another opportunity in the active rotation for the LA Clippers, was a pure scorer in Bones Hyland. Clipper Nation hoped franchise executives would have drafted Hyland in 2021, but they prioritized other talents on their board.
Hyland was selected 26th by the Denver Nuggets, and despite his skill, the NBA community doubted him heavily. This is because of his size, which was listed as six feet, three inches, and 173 pounds. Teams knew he could play but were worried that his undersized build would make him a liability in defending bigger guards.
Though he was not the greatest defender on the court, Hyland’s offensive prowess kept fans tuned into his game and coerced Denver into playing him off the bench.
Furthermore, Hyland was scoring, playmaking, and essentially helping the Nuggets win games. He finished the season playing 69 games and was honored on the 2021-22 all-rookie teams.
Off-the-court issues occurred the next season, and the Nuggets’ front office traded him to the Clippers for two second-round picks. LA ended the 2023 deadline, assuming they had found their franchise point guard.
Hyland played well in his remaining 14 games of 2022-23 and was ready to begin a new season for the Clippers.
In the first five games of 2023-24, Hyland received no less than 21 minutes. He played excellently until the Clippers landed a former MVP in James Harden. This was the climax of his term with LA.
Hyland’s role in the rotation was never the same, as Harden and others soaked up the minutes Lue and his staff provided. In due course, the front office dealt the rising star to the Atlanta Hawks, where he was waived and made a free agent.
Today, the Clippers’ Western Conference rival signed Hyland to their roster.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed former Clipper guard Bones Hyland
After multiple weeks, the Minnesota Timberwolves were the team that would add Bones Hyland to their lineup. This is the best home for Hyland, as he will receive the most prosperous chance he has had thus far to develop on a playoff roster.
After converting Jaylen Clark, the Minnesota Timberwolves plan to sign free agent guard Bones Hyland to a two-way NBA deal, agent Austin Walton told ESPN. Hyland will be reunited with Wolves president Tim Connelly, who drafted him in Denver where he was a two-time Rising Star. pic.twitter.com/yhhUh1cm8U
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2025
Moreover, Minnesota has numerous other veterans and stars who could help guide him, such as Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, and Naz Reid.
That said, Clipper Nation hopes the best for the VCU product. He is a great player, and there is no question about his talent.