The first time Bones Hyland competed in the NBA Playoffs was with the Denver Nuggets.
At the time, Hyland was a standout young prospect, averaging 10.1 points and 2.8 assists off the bench as a rookie for the Nuggets.
Hyland had a bright future in Denver–at least it seemed. Surprisingly, the Nuggets traded Hyland to the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2023 trade deadline.
The former VCU guard went from being a primary backup to fighting rotation battles with the Clippers before getting traded again. In 2025, Hyland was moved to the Atlanta Hawks before getting waived.
GettyRICHMOND, VA – NOVEMBER 25: Nah’Shon Hyland #5 of the VCU Rams shoots in the second half against the Alabama State Hornets at Stuart C. Siegel Center on November 25, 2019 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
Once he hit the open market, Hyland landed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Last summer, Hyland re-signed with the Wolves on a $2.2 million deal. He returns to Denver on Saturday for a Game 1 matchup in the NBA Playoffs.
Bones Hyland Opens Up On Playing In The NBA Playoffs
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MARCH 18: Bones Hyland #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with teammate Ayo Dosunmu #13 in the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Target Center on March 18, 2026 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
This week was a good opportunity for Hyland to reflect on his past.
Times have been tough over the past two seasons for the 25-year-old guard. He opened up on the past during a post-practice media availability, while preparing for his return to Colorado for the first two games.
“Honestly, I’ve come a long way, bro,” Hyland told reporters. “Two years, God first. Just honestly came a long way, bro. Two years of not playing—it’s been tough, bro, honestly. But coming here now, man, they took me in with open arms, so I got my joy back, my spirit back,”
This season, Hyland appeared in a career-high 71 games for the Timberwolves. He saw the court for an average of 16.6 minutes per game. The veteran guard averaged 8.5 points per game, while shooting 45.3% from the field, and hitting on 37.0% of his threes.
A Look At Hyland’s Nuggets Run
GettyDeMarcus Cousins #4 of the Denver Nuggets high fives Bones Hyland #3 of the Denver Nuggets after a play against the Sacramento Kings
It all started in Denver for Hyland.
During his rookie season, he averaged 19.0 minutes off the bench. While making 40.3% of his shots from the field and hitting on 36.6% of his threes, Hyland averaged 10.1 points per game.
In the following year, Hyland came off the bench for 19.4 minutes per game. That remains his highest mark throughout his career. He remained productive, producing 12.1 points per game while draining 37.8% of his threes.
While the run with the Nuggets was short-lived, it set him up to find success in Minnesota. The Nuggets will go head-to-head with their former 26th overall pick for the next four to seven games.