Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves draft: Two thumbs up one thumb down

By Talal Abdullah

Nov 7, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

Two Thumbs Up

The second thumbs up for Minnesota comes with what Jimmy Butler brings to this team.

He’s an All-Star, a top 10 player and arguably the best two-way player in the league and he only wants to get better.

Butler brings Minnesota a closer to finish games for Minnesota on both the offense and defensive end.

He averaged 23.9 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, 5.5 assists per game and an amazing 1.9 steals per game.

Bringing those stats over to the Timberwolves can almost guarantee the playoffs for this Timberwolves team.

Most importantly though is what having Butler means for the core of Wiggins and Towns.

Butler Effect

Both are truly gifted on the offensive side as Wiggins averaged 23.6 points per game, while Towns averaged 25.1.

The offensive side of the core is solid, it’s the defense that has stopped Wiggins from being called Maple Jordan like he was coming out of high school.

It’s defense that keeps everyone from calling Towns the best center in the league or matter of fact the best big man.

Butler is a three-time All-Defensive team member who over the last four years have averaged over 1.5 steals per game.

Bringing his presence to Minnesota to teach Towns and Wiggins what it takes to play defense and what it does for a team is a huge thing.

Minnesota hasn’t had a true leader to follow since Kevin Garnett. Butler is that new leader who Wiggins and Towns will be willing to follow.

He is the on-court coach while Thibs is yelling orders on the sideline Butler will be screaming the same thing on the court.