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

Step-backs and fadeaways

Step-backs and fadeaways have become a staple of any top players scoring arsenal in recent decades. The reason that they are so popular is that they allow an offensive player to create a little extra space and get their shot off.

Butler’s fadeaway wasn’t nearly as frequent as his step-backs but we will start there. For all players, but especially for guys who don’t possess elite athleticism, the fadeaway is an essential shot to have in your tool belt.

Butler isn’t as adept at this move as others as he shot 36.9 percent on fadeaways last year. However, he has shown the ability to knock it down when needed.

The play below is a simple demonstration of Butler’s ability to knock down a fadeaway. In this situation, he gets two ball screens, the second one from Lopez. His defender isn’t able to fight through the Lopez screen, leaving Butler with some room to operate from his favorite spot on the floor.

A pull-up jumper might have been a higher percentage shot but maybe Butler was worried about the defender to his right and the big man lurking on the block. Due to that, he settles for the successful fadeaway bank shot.

The step-back is becoming a staple in Butler’s arsenal of scoring moves as he has shown to be very efficient. He can step-back going both right or left but his step-back going left is far smoother than when he goes right. This is true for most right-handers though, because it’s easier to square your shoulders and get your right foot in the lead.

On the video below, Butler actually steps back after going right. You can see how it isn’t the smoothest shot in the world but he is able to make it work.

This is a hugely clutch shot as it ties the game with under a minute to play. It’s clear this was a designed out of bounds play and a shot the coach had confidence in Butler to make.

Butler is able to create a little separation between himself and the defender by taking two hard dribbles to the right before stepping back behind the 3-point line. The key here is Butler’s feet and shoulders. He is able to take half a moment and get both of them squared with the basket. This is extremely important because of how far away from the hoop he is and his momentum is carrying him even further away.

Butler is able to get his balance in check and therefore garner enough strength to drain the shot. I cannot state enough how difficult a shot this is.

Butler shot 50 percent on step-backs last year and I definitely label this as his go-to move, one he relies upon in clutch situations late in the game.