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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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Mar 22, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Pull-up threes

For most players, pull-up jump shots are a lot more difficult than catch and shoot. This is also true for Butler.

On pull-up threes,  Butler saw his percentage dip to 34.4 percent, below his season 3-point average of 36.7 percent.

However, this is a nice improvement for Butler from previous seasons. In 2013-14 he shot 12.5 percent on pull-up threes, 31.3 percent in 2014-15 and 32.9 percent in 2015-16. This really demonstrates how Butler is coming into his own as a shooter and a creator in the NBA.

The Bulls ran a lot of pick-and-rolls for Butler last season. They often started very high like in the play above, giving Butler plenty of floor space to work with. The other three players, as seen above, usually roamed the perimeter, daring their defender to help.

This sort of play might not work very well in Minnesota unless they add the shooting they desperately need. However, this play perfectly demonstrates Butler’s improvement as a player these past six seasons.

After Lopez sets the screen, Butler realizes that Roy Hibbert isn’t interested in coming out to the 3-point line to play defense. Therefore, he’s able to mini-hop into his jump shot and get his feet set.

He then lines up his shoulders and drills the three. Oh, and the defender gets called for a ticky-tack foul, sending Butler to the line to complete the four-point play.