Jimmy Butler gives the Timberwolves lineup options
By Will Harris
With the addition of Jimmy Butler, the Minnesota Timberwolves have opened the door to a wide range of lineup options.
Around the nation, NBA fans were pleasantly surprised when Commissioner Adam Silver announced the blockbuster trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the MinnesotaTimberwolves.
Although the Timberwolves decided to part ways with lottery pick Kris Dunn and Flip Saunders favored Zach LaVine, they retained a first-round pick and acquired an All-Star in Jimmy Butler.
With that announcement came plenty of analysis. Some believe Chicago may have forfeited their chances at the playoffs for the next three to four years. However, others see LaVine and Dunn as young rising stars. Nevertheless, Timberwolves fans are excited about the new addition.
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One of the main reasons that the Jimmy Butler is a fantastic addition for the Wolves has nothing to do with veteran leadership.
Bringing on Butler gives the Timberwolves flexibility in where they use Andrew Wiggins.
Butler’s defensive experience will play a critical role in how head coach Tom Thibodeau sets up his offensive and defensive matchups.
Jimmy Butler is a tough, strong and athletic small forward, whereas Wiggins is a lengthy, quick, and shifty small forward.
Throughout his career, Wiggins performed much better as a shooting guard rather than a small forward, especially on defense. While Wiggins has an inch on Jimmy Butler, standing at 6-foot-8, he doesn’t have the strength yet to guard bigger bodies like Gordon Hayward.
Butler’s strength and defensive skill allows Tom Thibodeau to match Butler against an opposing team’s best offensive player bigger than or around 6-foot-4.
I believe Wiggins will turn into a defensive stopper. For now, he should be used to guard players that aren’t scoring liabilities. For example, when the Wolves play the Portland Trailblazers next year, I would expect to see Butler guard C.J. McCollum on the defensive side of the ball, while Wiggins would guard someone like Al-Farouq Aminu. Wiggins can more easily matchup with a lengthy, non-scoring threat, for now.
On the offensive side of the ball, Thibodeau has options. Both Butler and Wiggins can score, we know that. Depending on the opposing team, I think Butler will be slotted at the three, playing the role of offensive playmaker. Wiggins, on the other hand, could play the two, playing the role of a scoring machine.
Thibodeau is known for his complicated defensive schemes. By adding Butler, the Timberwolves have brought in someone who understands Thibodeau’s style.
With Karl Anthony-Towns, Wiggins and Butler, the Timberwolves have little to worry about on offense, especially with Ricky Rubio facilitating.
Next: Jimmy Butler's go-to scoring guide
However, it is the defense that was a concern for Timberwolves fans across the league. By adding Butler to the young Timberwolves roster, the defensive worries will most likely change soon.