Andrew Wiggins will become an All-Star under Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler is an All-Star player who understands both sides of the ball. The addition of Butler will turn Andrew Wiggins into a two-way star.
We all know what Andrew Wiggins can do on the offensive side of things. Averaging 23 points a game this past season – seeing an increase in points scored in every season.
But what is the main focal point lacking in his game? Defense.
Before we get to dive into it, let’s get caught up about his defense. According to ‘FiveThirtyEight‘, Wiggins is supposedly the “worst defender” in the league. I don’t believe this one bit, no matter how much metrics or statistics you throw out there.
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There are only so many metrics that can be shown to show the truth.
If you watch the games you can clearly see he isn’t as bad as advertised. I explain Wiggins defense in my previous article here if you want a more in depth look. Who would you rather have guarding a player? Wiggins, Shabazz Muhammad, Devin Booker or James Harden? We’ve already seen those players play defense and we know Wiggins can play good on-ball defense.
I believe a lot of this is shown because often times Wiggins has to guard to the best player on the court. Think about it… LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo and many more. Guarding those players on a daily basis will tire you out and hurt your statistics. I’m not here trying to lobby to you all that Wiggins is this superstar defender, but I am saying he isn’t as bad as you may think.
Anyways, let’s get started.
Jimmy Butler is one of the better defenders in the league. Not to mention, one of the best two-way players. He played under coach Thibs when he was starting out his career.
Why is this good you ask? Well, not only will he be learning from Thibs, but now he will have another voice and a teacher on the court.
Jimmy Butler recently went on Bill Simmons podcast and had a few things to say. Twin Cities Pioneer Press posted it saying:
"“He has all the tools to be a terrific defender, by the way,”"
Later, he goes on to say this:
"“This is what playing both sides of the floor can get you. He is extremely talented on the offensive end, and I think he’s going to be just that talented on the defensive side, as well, as long as you lock into it. I think that he has that will and he wants to be great so he’s going to do it. And I’m excited to get with him just because I know how passionate he is about the game and just his drive and his work ethic and how he wants to win. When you have that as a young guy, you have it. You can’t really teach that, you just have it.”"
This is some high praise coming from an All-Star on both ends of the ball. Not to mention one of the hardest work ethics in the league. Butler, had to work hard and make in this league – so for a player of his demeanor and caliber to say this about Wiggins, says a lot.
Next: Andrew Wiggins: The good, the bad and the ugly
Wiggins should continue to make strides on both ends of the floor, with another year under Thibs and a new mentor in Butler – expect Wiggins to change his game into the next two-way player in the league.