Timberwolves F Derrick Williams remains patient amidst DNPs

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams is trying to remain patient despite spending a majority of his time seated on the team's bench.

The former first-round draft pick has been tagged with the dreaded "DNP - Coach's Decision" line in four of the Timberwolves' last nine box scores. Minnesota head coach Rick Adelman has opted to use veteran Dante Cunningham as the primary backup to all-star Kevin Love.

Since Love's return from a broken hand on Nov. 16, Williams hasn't played more than 16 minutes in a game.

In limited minutes, the 21-year-old forward is averaging 9.0 points and 5.2 rebounds. Williams is reportedly working hard in practice, staying ready to play, and has not requested a trade although his name has surfaced in rumors for much of the past six months.

The Timberwolves' next game is against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night at the Target Center. Tipoff is slated for 8 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on Fox Sports North.