Shabazz Muhammad graded out as 461st out of 462 eligible players in ESPN's Defensive RPM rankings for the 2015 season.

Muhammad graded out as 461st out of 462 eligible players in ESPN's Defensive RPM rankings for the 2015 season.

Analysis:

Seeing his playing time slightly fall under interim HC Sam Mitchell, Muhammad's numbers expectedly dropped across the board in 2015. However, Muhammad's 2015 is ultimately characterized by tantalizing offensive upside to match a disappointing defensive incompetence. Muhammad scored over 20 points on nine occasions this year, but it's unfortunately hard to showcase his offensive abilities when playing for a team that lacks defensive aptitude in general where his teammates are unable to hide his weaknesses. Looking ahead, Muhhammad's role is in question under newly-acquired coach Tom Thibodeau for 2016. If Thibodeau can improve Minnesota's defense, he may be able to afford Muhammad a longer leash than normal. Then again, Thibodeau is a defensive-minded coach, and may not find Muhammad's offensive spark worth the defensive liability he presents.