Bones Hyland was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 26th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Considering where he was picked, he was not expected to be a legitimate contributor in his first year alongside Nikola Jokić on a team with championship aspirations.
Shortly into the season, though, with the Nuggets needing depth on the perimeter amid the injury to Jamal Murray, they turned to Hyland. That gamble has paid off in a significant way, as Hyland has proven himself to be a vital piece of the team's offensive attack.
In the team's second half of the season -- from Jan. 15 -- Hyland averaged 11.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 43.3/39.3/84.9 shooting splits, putting himself in the conversation for one of the NBA's All-Rookie teams.
Beyond the stat sheet, Hyland has been a remarkable fit within the culture of the Nuggets. Next to the quiet demeanor of Jokić, the flashy rookie has allowed his personality to shine.
And when Jokić made NBA history by becoming the first player with 2,000-plus points, 1,000-plus rebounds, and 500-plus assists in a single season, Hyland couldn't wait to express his excitement for the superstar center. "When he first came in [to the locker room], we were clapping loud and put water on him like we usually do to celebrate success."
"But that's just what [Jokić] does. Unbelievable season, what he has done so far. Not only for himself but for the team as well," Hyland said of the MVP hopeful. "So thankful to have [Jokić] and what he brings to the table. Dude is really great at basketball."
Hyland and Jokić are about as different as two players can get both on and off the floor. And yet, Hyland said he has learned a significant amount by being alongside Jokić this season. "His habits," Hyland pointed to. "I've took so much away from him as far as habits and his routine."
"At first, I didn't have a routine, and it had me everywhere, all over the place. And he was a guy who you want to look at, coming in as a rookie. He has so much success in the league. And now I'm on the same type of routine, I got my own routine that's helped me not only off the court but on the court as well."
Many first-year players fall victim to the rookie wall as they adjust to the length of an NBA season. However, Hyland has only improved as the season has progressed, showing just how much he's learned from Jokić in that regard.
So as the regular season comes to an end, awards are one of the top things on the minds of all fans. Hyland is a serious candidate to make an All-Rookie team. But just like his MVP teammate, Hyland declined a chance to promote himself for the honor.
"That's something I really don't care about," Hyland said of the All-Rookie Team. "It's playoff time, so that's what I'm worried about."
With the Nuggets clinching a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive season, all of the team's focus appears to be on surviving and advancing. They are one of two teams to make it out of the first round in each of the last three seasons.
Hyland easily could have taken a moment to vouch for himself in the All-Rookie race. Instead, he left that to the voters, turning his attention to his first postseason as an NBA player. And while it wasn't said directly, it's easy to attribute this mindset to the culture created by Jokić during his time with the Nuggets.