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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 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) goes up to make a basket against Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Chicago 122-120 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) goes up to make a basket against Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Chicago 122-120 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Right-wing jumpers

Where the step-back jumper is Butler’s go-to move, the right wing is his favored spot on the floor.

As you can see from the shot chart below, an overwhelming majority of his shots come from the right side of the floor. Especially the right wing area.

If you scroll over each zone you can see the percentage he shoots in each area as well. He’s below league average in most of the areas on that right side, which is very surprising. The reason for this is because of the degree of difficulty of most of Butler’s shots.

Butler has a number of moves he can use to get to his spot on the floor. As you’ll see in the video below he took a lot of his jumpers from the Bulls’ logo. Those moves include step-backs, fadeaways, pull-up jumpers and ball screens to name a few.

Hopefully, there will be a similar Wolves’ logo on the new court that Butler can use as a reference point as well.

On this play, Butler uses a ball screen by Lopez to get to the Bull on the floor. He intentionally searches out this spot before pulling up for the jumper.

The key to this play, other than the ball-screen, is Butler’s use of his dribble. After catching the ball, he only takes one dribble and uses it with purpose. Instead of dribbling in place he uses it to go somewhere on the floor. He then hops into his shot, something I see a lot with him, and pulls up in front of the big man. This hop allows Butler to get into rhythm and drain the 2-point attempt.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 free agents they should sign

Butler will definitely bring excitement and intrigue to this Timberwolves’ roster. As a veteran who is just now entering his prime, expect his game to continue to grow and develop. Sit back and relax Wolves’ fans, this man is on your team now.