Minnesota Timberwolves: Power Rankings: Oct.18 – Oct. 22

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Jimmy Butler
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Jimmy Butler
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SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 05: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action 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 in action 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)

2. Jimmy Butler

Weekly averages: 37.7 MPG – 13.3 PPG – 5.7 RPG – 4.0 APG – 39.5% FG – 33.3% 3PT – 100% FT

If you just looked at the statistics, you would call me crazy for having Jimmy Butler ahead of Karl-Anthony Towns in this weeks power ranking, but it isn’t always about the stats.

Looking beneath the box score, you will see that Jimmy G. Buckets (even without the buckets) is already having a major impact on the Timberwolves.

He ended second on the team for Defensive Rating, and his 5 steals against the Jazz were crucial in stopping Utah from sneaking away with a win.

The leadership is evident when out on the court, and with a team desperate for a steady hand and veteran presence, it is invaluable.

If – or more likely, when – the 3 time All-Star gets his offensive game going, he is going to be a tough cover for any defense, who will have to deal with our number one ranked Timberwolf on the wing this week too.