Timberwolves Fans: The importance of appreciation

As fans, many times it is our initial instinct to criticize, specifically when it comes to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Here are some words explaining why the polar opposite might be the more logical option.

Michael Pina of VICE Sports just wrote a fantastic piece on the intense daily routine and winding road to NBA stardom of Jimmy Butler (seriously, if you haven’t had a chance to look at it, it is well worth your time here). In it, we saw Butler speak of his trials and tribulations over the course of his basketball journey. It was a lens into a sliver of the self-made superstar’s life, and motivating for people even if they aren’t fans of basketball.

In the article, Butler mentions the critical importance of confrontation in getting the most out of his abilities. Coming to his new situation in Minnesota, this particular factor will come in bulk. Tom Thibodeau, known to be one of the most demanding and frank coaches in the business, will not back down in challenging his former, and now current, pupil to strive for the best in himself every day.

Not only will he receive consistent testing from his coach, but he is also coming into a situation where fans are innately impatient. Timberwolves’ supporters have essentially been Andy Dufresne in the Shawshank Redemption escape scene, with the last thirteen years representing the crawl through ‘500 yards of shit-smelling foulness’ that no NBA fan wants to imagine.

This season embodies the first breath outside of that miserable pipe. Fans have seen the light at the end of the tunnel for far too long that now they are desperate for a taste of the fresh air. If this doesn’t breed annoyance and confrontation, even for a ‘Minnesota nice’ fan base, then nothing will.

More from Dunking with Wolves

• The dream starting 5 for Minnesota Timberwolves 5 years from now
• Anthony Edwards’ latest accolade is a great sign of things to come
• In an OT thriller, Team Canada snatches Bronze from Team USA
• Timberwolves start, bench, cut: Mike Conley, Shake Milton, Jordan McLaughlin
• Which Timberwolves roster additions have upgraded the bench?

Jimmy Butler is in line to experience plenty of this conflict that he so craves. This article is about analyzing another telling quote in his lengthy VICE Sports interview.

Being appreciated:

Butler is under contract with the Timberwolves for the next two seasons. That means that Minnesota’s fans, coaches, fellow players and ownership all have a two-year window to endear themselves to a superstar player that will no doubt play an integral part of the teams current and, hopefully extended, future.

Let’s take a look at the concluding quote of his interview:

"I’ll tell you one thing. I’m gonna go or I’m gonna be or I’m gonna stay wherever I’m wanted, man. Because that’s all anybody ever wants,” he says. “To be appreciated."

This is a blunt memo to Minnesota that if the organization is to commend themselves to him, he will return the admiration.

This was not the case during his time in Chicago, where front office men Gar Foreman and John Paxson continuously swayed their message to Butler of what the plan was in designing their roster. Was he the guy they built around, or was he the player they wanted to use in order to consolidate their assets and reconstruct their team? This half-in half-out way of thinking bothered Butler and created tension between him and the Bulls management team after the trade.

Related Story: Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 goals for Jimmy Butler

However, in every conceivable way other than his rift with the front office, and occasional public quote on his coach Fred Hoiberg, Butler loved the fans and atmosphere Chicago provided him. His extensive Instagram post thanking the city and fans reiterated his feelings.

Butler seems like an intensely loyal individual. That is to say if the Timberwolves organization and fan base show their appreciation for him, he will reciprocate that affection and stay long-term.

Analyzing a little deeper:

This goes even further than Jimmy Butler.

The Timberwolves have a budding superstar in Karl-Anthony Towns currently on their roster. They also have former Rookie of the Year and talent-dripping wing Andrew Wiggins under contract (hopefully, an extended contract soon).

Related Story: Can Jimmy Butler be Andrew Wiggins' Luol Deng?

It is no secret that a majority of Target Center seats have been vacant over the course of these two players’ careers. Half-filled arenas, silent home crowds, and poor game atmosphere have been the norm for over a decade now. This may not seem like the most influential aspect of keeping players on the roster or being effective in free agency, but it is.

That is what needs to change this upcoming season. The front office of Thibodeau and Scott Layden have done their job in building an interesting (and should be highly entertaining) team. Glen Taylor has opened up his checkbook and shown his willingness to keep key guys. Now, it is the fans turn to show appreciation for these stars and make them not just willing to stay for the long haul, but excited to build something that lasts for an extended period.

The temptation for Wolves faithful to be skeptical can be fully understood after such a long term of losing. But it is important to keep a perspective of the situation and look at the big picture. This is the best Timberwolves roster since the 2004 season. There is more star power on the team than possibly ever before. They have a proven coach who is now familiar with his supporting pieces.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 keys to avoiding Warriors in playoffs

As Jimmy Butler said, all anybody wants is to be appreciated. Let’s appreciate them.