Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 bold predictions for preseason

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 22: Andrew Wiggins #22, Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves pose for portraits during the 2017 Media Day on September 22, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Butler and Andrew Wiggins…. don’t

As well as Butler and Towns will mesh, Butler and Andrew Wiggins will butt heads like two deer fighting over a doe.

Part of the problem, but certainly not all, will be the position. Each player is probably better suited at small forward, where they can use their great blend of height and athletic ability. Last season Butler spent 64 percent of his time at the 3, while Wiggins spent 93 percent. It’s important to note, however, Butler does have experience playing at the 2, with 70 percent or more of his minutes coming there from 2013-2015.

The bigger reason these two won’t gel is due to their similarities on the offensive end.

Both players need the ball in their hands to truly be successful. They each like to run a combination of pick-and-rolls, isolations and other sets that rely on them being the primary decision-maker. With all the added playmakers in Minnesota, one of these guys is going to walk away every night wishing they had the ball in their hands more often. And that will likely be Wiggins.

Butler is way too good of a ball-handler and playmaker to take opportunities away from him. That means Maple Jordan will have to learn to play off-ball as a cutter and slasher. He hasn’t shown me he’s able and willing to excel in that role.

If he does have that willingness to play off-ball more often, it would be a huge sacrifice for the team. However, until proven otherwise, I’m skeptical.

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