Michael Malone assures Bones Hyland a second unit spot in the season: ‘I think it’s undeniable’
The up and coming Denver Nuggets are ready to roll in the 2020-2021 season. Stamping a busy offseason in which they secured the extended return of two of their core pieces — Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon — no neutral fan can deny the excitement that is about to unfold in this squad, especially when scoring guard Jamal Murray suits up once again after the ACL recovery.
But what made them one of the best winners in the layoff is that, they struck another gem in the NBA Draft after choosing a certain talented cager for the 26th pick in the 1st round — tickling imaginations of what are the chances for him to develop just like the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, who came into the league as a chubby, 2nd rounder.
Bones Hyland, a young and special hooper from the Virginia Commonwealth University, is one of the hottest names so far coming from the recent draft class. Standing at six-foot-three and playing both the backcourt positions, he serenades the attention of Nuggets fans right from the Summer League with that savvy approach and well-rounded playing type of offense.
Much has been said about his abilities, Denver head strategist Mike Malone is certain for the 21-year-old that it will gain an exposure coming from the deep bench mob of the current Nuggets team, along with fellow guard PJ Dozier, when the regular season kicks off.
“I think it’s undeniable. I think Bones Hyland has been outstanding in the preseason. I think PJ Dozier has been outstanding in the preseason. Those guys are in a really good spot.”
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone (via Harrison Wind of DNVR_Sports)
Seemingly battling for playing time against Facundo Campazzo, Austin Rivers, Monte Morris, Will Barton and Dozier, Hyland’s capabilities as a rookie will be tested. As such, his confidence and scoring prowess will be needed by the Mile High City in order to match up against their co-contenders in the league.
Playing at 26.3 minutes per game, Hyland is currently averaging 17 points per game in three appearances for the Nuggets this preseason. They’ll play at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder later on.
