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Minnesota Timberwolves Roundup: Jimmy Butler on the media circuit

By Ben Beecken

BLOOMINGTON, MN - JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, MN - JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Butler has been with the Timberwolves for nearly three weeks, and he’s continuing his media tour as the NBA world begins to fall in love with the new-look Wolves.

The Timberwolves are already a hot team among internet and talk show circles. They’ve traded for an All-Star and consensus top-15 player in Jimmy Butler, and signed another former All-Star via free agency in Jeff Teague.

They’ve also added a popular veteran with a slick crossover and smooth offensive game in Jamal Crawford, and continued to get Tom Thibodeau’s Chicago band back together with the signing of Taj Gibson to team up with Butler, his former teammate with the Bulls.

With a starting lineup boasting two All-Stars and at least one soon-to-be superstar in Karl-Anthony Towns (and maybe even Andrew Wiggins), there’s a lot to talk about surrounding the Timberwolves. And Jimmy Butler is doing his part to keep the hype machine cranked up as free agency gives way to the dog days of the NBA off-season.

Earlier this week, Butler appeared on ESPN Sportscenter’s The Six.

Butler is a natural with the media, and between he and Towns, the Wolves will have one of the most charismatic, media-friendly superstar duos around.

Also in the news this week was Thibodeau’s surprisingly candid assessment of the remaining four roster spots. Thibs stated that the team would look to add two wing players and one point guard. He also verbalized the obvious notion that the team needs to add shooting and more perimeter defense: with only one backup wing in the no-defense Crawford, that was clear.

Interestingly, Thibodeau said that the Wolves are in no hurry to fill the 15th and final roster spot, saying that they “like to have the flexibility with that 15th spot.” It’s a smart approach, as one never knows what players could be squeezed out or placed on waivers, whether it’s a veteran with plenty of tread on the tires or a young, fringe rotation player. They no doubt have their eyes on some G-League talent, as well.

Next: 5 Affordable Free Agent Options For The Timberwolves

All that to say, don’t expect a flurry of activity in the coming days coming from 600 First Avenue. It will surely be a slow trickle as we navigate the end of Summer League and head towards the dreary month of August…