Western New York native Jonny Flynn continues his rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and just like the team he represents, both continue to struggle.  The Wolves are just  1-7 on the new year, including dropping a triple-overtime thriller at Houston Wednesday night.

Flynn has had his moments but clearly still has a lot to learn at the NBA level.  The Niagara Falls high school product has been held to double digit points two straight games and three of the past five.  In total Flynn’s reached at least 20 points just once in eight games in January.

His poor shooting teammates haven’t helped his assist total as failing to knock down open looks have contributed to him not having a game this season with at least 10 assists.

At 8-32 only New Jersey (3-35) have been more futile this season.  But all things considered Flynn is still having a decent rookie campaign overall.  He’s averaging 14 points per game, third-best among all NBA rookies. He’s also getting 29.6 minutes per game, third-most among rookies.

On the downside his 2.8 turnovers per game trail only Tyreke Evans among first year players.

Flynn is back in action Friday night as the Timberwolves wrap up a three-game road trip at Memphis.  They then start a home stand next week with games against Philadelphia, Oklahoma and New Orleans.

(Beth Hanigan is a communications and marketing student at the University of Saint Thomas and a sports writing intern for Ticket King. She is covering Jonny Flynn for Buffalo Sports Daily and also has an outstanding Timerwolves blog you can read right here.)