Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: Jimmy Butler’s go-to scoring guide

By Brian Sampson

Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) attempts to pass the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) attempts to pass the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots around dOrlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) during the second half at Amway Center. The Bulls won 100-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots around dOrlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) during the second half at Amway Center. The Bulls won 100-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Catch and shoot threes

Catch and shoot threes may seem like an obvious part of any players game but it shouldn’t go without being examined. Only the best players in this league can create their own shot but the good players can get a shot off with very little space as well.

The first aspect that struck me about Butler’s catch and shoot game is the inconsistency. In the games I watched, it felt like he had an equal amount air balls as he did makes. This leads me to believe that he is still inconsistent with his mechanics and needs to continue developing his shot.

Overall, Butler shot 40.2 percent on catch and shoot threes last season which accounted for a little under half of his 3-point attempts.

The play below illustrates how far Butler has come during his six seasons in the league.

To begin the play, he makes a simple pass to Robin Lopez at the top of the key. Lopez then dribbles to the elbow as Butler rolls to the top of the key at the 3-point line. This little movement by Butler is key to the whole play. Instead of standing where he was, his movement creates issues for the man who is assigned to guard him as he doesn’t know where he is. He also gives Lopez a better passing angle for the wide open 3-pointer. Butler then has plenty of time and space to knock down a shootaround jumper.

These jumpers may seem simple but it allows Butler to set up other parts of his game and use his ball fakes effectively.