The most surprising player from each NBA team this season
By Connor Learn
Minnesota Timberwolves: Shabazz Muhammad
The Timberwolves have been a disappointing team to some so far this season. Though they were a trendy breakout team, they have reminded NBA fans that rebuilding takes time. The young Wolves are 13th in the Western Conference at 19-32 in the first year of the Tom Thibodeau era. The combination of Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, and Zach Lavine will ensure a good future in Minnesota, but this season is likely going to be another season out of the playoffs after Lavine’s injury.
Shabazz Muhammad will get the chance to prove himself with the absence of Lavine. The former Rivals.com top player in the class of 2012, Muhammad was a lottery selection for the Timberwolves. He sat most of his rookie season but found himself playing heavy minutes alongside rookie Andrew Wiggins and averaged 13.5 points per game in an abbreviated second season. Muhammad returned for his third season and played with mixed results-he averaged 10.5 points per game off the bench, but shot 28.9 percent from on 3-pointers.
A 6-foor-6, 220 pound wing, Shabazz Muhammad possesses the size to at least be an average defender on the wing. His best NBA skill is his scoring, which he has been doing more efficiently in year four of his career. Muhammad is still a ball stopper on offense and creates very little for others, but has been more selective with his shots this season. He’s shooting field goal attempts at the lowest rate of his career and he is shooting better than ever. His current 3-point field goal percentage of 45.3% would be good for second in the league if he had more attempts. Now given more of an opportunity with Lavine out, Shabazz will have to show the league what he can do.