Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Who is the face of the Timberwolves franchise?

By Max Neuhaus

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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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) /

2. Jimmy Butler

Butler is a top-15 player in the NBA and one of the best two- way guards in the Association. Looking at it that way, he would be the perfect candidate to represent the franchise.

The former Chicago Bull has made the All-Star Game the past three seasons and has put up big enough numbers to warrant it. He has increased his scoring average every season, ending last season with 24 points per game. He also had a career-high in steals per game (1.9) and assists (5.5). With those both being areas that Ricky Rubio excelled at, the Marquette product will be able to bring some of that back.

While he has played very well on the offensive side of the court, defense is where he hangs his hat. Butler was consistently asked to guard the other team’s top wing. According to NBA.com, his defensive rating was 103.4, ranking him with well-known defensive players like Andre Roberson and Thabo Sefolosha. The fact that his defensive rating is that high while playing 37 minutes a game is amazing. No player above him played more minutes per game last year. The only player with more minutes per game then him were LeBron James, Kyle Lowry, Zach LaVine, and new teammate Andrew Wiggins.

There is one negative to his chances of being face of the franchise. A very big negative.

He has already said he doesn’t want to be.

In an interview with the Chicago Sun Times while hanging out with former teammate Dwyane Wade and buddy Carmelo Anthony, he let it be known he had no interest in being the face of the TImberwolves:

While he might be the best player for the Timberwolves next season, it seems very unlikely that Jimmy Buckets will want to take up the mantle of face of the franchise anytime soon.

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