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Minnesota Timberwolves game preview: Oct. 18 at San Antonio Spurs

By Jake Paynting

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: The Minnesota Timberwolves huddle before the preseason game on September 30, 2017 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: The Minnesota Timberwolves huddle before the preseason game on September 30, 2017 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 05: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 05: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /

Player to watch: Jimmy Butler

It will be a big opening game for every player on the court, but perhaps none more so than Jimmy G. Buckets.

After starring in Chicago last season, Butler has established himself as one of the premier two-way guards in the league, but his draft night trade to the Timberwolves will see Butler play a much different role to 2016-17.

With the arrival of Butler, the other key Wolves like Wiggins and Towns will have to sacrifice touches in order for a superstar like Butler to get his fair share. Butler will need to do the same as both of the Wolves younger cornerstones need to continue to develop.

It seems like Jimmy is more than ready to become the veteran leader from day one.

It will be interesting to see how Butler slots in to this Thibodeau system that he knows well already. Plus, he will also receive the iggest boost of any opposing player with the absence of Kawhi Leonard.

Butler will be released of having to guard — and somehow even more daunting, having to be guarded by — the two-time Defensive Player Of The Year. This should give Jimmy G. the freedom to show his two-way dominance that has Wolves fans salivating.

Through the crowd of intriguing players in this game, Butler shapes up to be the most interesting to keep an eye on.

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