The Minnesota Timberwolves’ season is over, which means it’s time to start assessing how each player on the roster performed this year. So far in this series, we looked at Aaron Brooks, Marcus Georges-Hunt, and Cole Aldrich’s performances. Up next is Nemanja Bjelica.

Expectations

Bjelica came into this season with arguably the lowest expectations of his NBA career. In his rookie and sophomore season, there was a widespread hope that he would be a star or at least a solid starter. This meant that there was a general disappointment when he showed he failed to replicate his EuroLeague success in the NBA. In his third year with the Timberwolves, there wasn’t that hope that he would magically play like the EuroLeague MVP he once was.

Reality

Bjelica was a solid role player this year. Though he did show some improvement from last season, Bjeli didn’t blossom into a star. Instead, he made some small adjustments that turned him into a serviceable player in this league.

In his first two seasons, Bjeli struggled with foul trouble. This year, however, he had the fewest fouls of his NBA career despite playing his most minutes yet.

In addition, his 3-point shot is coming along nicely. Bjelica shot a career-high 41.5 percent from three this year. He also was 4 of 7 from deep in his first NBA playoff series.

.@NemanjaBjelica from DEEP! 👌



He has a quick 9 PTS for the @Timberwolves! pic.twitter.com/NyVVaI8kMf — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 9, 2018

Despite these positive steps forward, Bjeli is still struggling with the same lack of aggressiveness on offense. He has no diversity in his scoring style, and simply is not a threat when driving.

Nemanja Bjelica drops his shorts at the free throw line #MVP pic.twitter.com/rYNrbnG3ko — Born Salty (@cjzero) March 3, 2018

Highlights

While Jimmy Butler was injured, head coach Tom Thibodeau chose Bjelica to start in his place. Though there was no way to replace Butler, the Wolves’ de facto leader, Bjeli was able to step up and prevent the team from collapsing in his absence.

During this time, he shifted his offense up a gear and even started driving to the basket. Though he scored a career-high 30 points against the Boston Celtics, perhaps his best game was against the Golden State Warriors. Bjeli made several hustle plays while leading the Wolves to a six-point victory. He wrapped up the night with 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks.

Of course, a list of Bjelica’s best moments from this year would be incomplete without mentioning the Arron Afflalo incident. During a chippy January game, Afflalo swung a wild haymaker at Bjeli. Rather than escalating the situation, Bjeli calmly put Afflalo in a headlock until the refs reached them. Though he was ejected, Bjelica’s composed handling of the tense situation is something to be admired.

All angles of Arron Afflalo swinging out of his shoes only to be promptly placed in a headlock by a much larger human pic.twitter.com/24wHtsyJ8z — #Mickstape (Playoffs) (@MickstapeShow) January 17, 2018

Lowlights

The biggest complaint about Bjelica’s 2017-18 season is his lack of aggressiveness on offense. Despite being the second-best 3-point shooter on the Wolves, he took just 2.7 3-point shots per game.

You're Nemanja Bjelica! You shoot 44.5% from downtown! You've already made three 3's in the game! Shoot the ball! pic.twitter.com/lGWg8oylYa — Brian Sampson (@BrianSampsonNBA) March 10, 2018

Bjeli also showed flashes of his EuroLeague MVP self while driving inside this year. This proves he can finish at the rim and can create his own shot.

Nemanja Bjelica showing that this old trick works in the NBA as well! pic.twitter.com/4fbgixL0gR — Yugobasket (@yugobasket) March 19, 2018

However, he is so pass-oriented that he rarely made use of these abilities. It’s unfortunate because Bjelica is so effective when he actually looks to shoot.

Grade: A-

Outlook

Bjelica will be a restricted free agent this summer. It’s unlikely he’ll get any huge offers, but there’s a good chance other teams will show interest in him. He’s proven to be an effective role player who is willing to improve and change. His 3-point shooting is a hot commodity in the league.

He would be a good fit for the Wolves, if they do decide to re-sign him. A stretch four like Bjelica is a necessity in today’s NBA.

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