Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

5 goals for Jimmy Butler and the Timberwolves

By Vince Massara

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 18: Andrew Wiggins
HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 18: Andrew Wiggins /

Mentor Andrew Wiggins

When Tom Thibedeau signed on as head coach of the Timberwolves, many fans were overjoyed at what that may mean from the ultra-talented Andrew Wiggins. Since coming into the league as a consensus number one pick, Wiggins has been a talented scorer for the Wolves. However, he is not the complete player he was seen to be as a prospect.

Andrew Wiggins can still become an elite NBA player. Wiggins already has all the physical tools and a polished offensive game; Butler needs to mentor Wiggins in order to bring the absolute best out of him on both ends of the floor. If Wiggins can learn from Butler, especially on the defensive side of the ball, then his ceiling becomes massive. Wiggins has the tools, and on occasion, has shown what he can do.

Jimmy Butler is one of the best two-way wings in the NBA. He was elite in defensive win shares for wings and was top-five in the league for value over replacement player. There is no better player for Wiggins to learn from. In short, Jimmy Butler is a better version of Andrew Wiggins. If Butler can mentor Wiggins, and in turn, Wiggins take it on, then the Wolves’ wings will wreak havoc.