The Jimmy Effect: What does Butler’s presence mean to the Timberwolves?

It appeared as thought Jimmy Butler‘s absence due to illness doomed the Timberwolves to losses on Tuesday and Wednesday night. They won when he returned on Friday. Does Butlers presence make that much of a difference?

The Timberwolves found themselves without Jimmy Butler for two games earlier this week for the first time this season. As a result, the Wolves suffered back-to-back blowout losses at the hands of the Pacers and Pistons.

Although both losses can’t be pinned on Butler’s absence alone, the team played differently without him, to say the least. So, does his presence on the court make that much of a difference in how the Wolves play? Losing to two less-than-impressive teams the way they did would seem to speak for itself.

However, one player does not win or lose games. Wins and losses come from the team as a collective. But at times, a player like Butler can have an effect on his team that keeps them competitive. With Butler out, the Wolves were not competitive, and largely because of their defense.

It’s hard not to jump to the conclusion that Butler’s presence led to the Wolves three victories so far this season. Although he hasn’t been spectacular through his first four games (save for an awesome fourth quarter in Friday’s win over the Thunder), the Wolves have been competitive in the games Butler has played in.

Without Butler, the Wolves defense gave up 130 points to the Pacers and 122 to the Pistons the next day. Even if they had scored 131 and 123, respectively, and won the games, there should be room for concern. They’re walking on thin ice regardless of giving up that amount of points.

After a big win in Oklahoma City on Sunday, there appeared to be a letdown of sorts. Veteran Taj Gibson said postgame after the loss to the Pistons that the Wolves need to learn that every team in the league can beat them. No game will be a cake walk.

It could very well be that after they beat the Thunder earlier this week that they became relaxed. Or, at least that’s part of the issue. However, with Butler as the leader on defense it’s hard not to say his absence was also part of the problems on defense.

The Pacers put up 130 points en route to setting their franchise record for field goal percentage in a game on Tuesday — without their best player in Myles Turner. On Wednesday, the Pistons put up 40 points in the second quarter and never looked back. Poor transition defense was a big part leading to their loss against the Pistons, too.

Although Butler is tied for third on the team in defensive rating, he is ranked highest among the team’s starters. Also, the Wolves don’t have a player inside of the top 125 spots in defensive rating across the NBA. That goes to show how everyone on the court needs focus on defense, especially the starters without Butler.

We know that the Wolves can score at will. There’s too many options for them to not hover around something like 105 to 110 points per game. Even if a few main guys are struggling, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jamal Crawford or Nemanja Bjelica step up off the bench and provide scoring.

Defensively, there aren’t many spark plugs on the bench besides Gorgui Dieng and Bjelica. As a team, the Wolves have a -7.3 plus-minus which ranks 26th in the league. In the two games without Butler, the Wolves found  themselves last in the league with a -22 plus-minus over the two games.

However, Jeff Teague had some words of encouragement for fans concerned with the team’s early struggles.

There’s enough talent on the team for Teague’s words to become true by the end of the season.

Hopefully, Butler is able to return against the Thunder. If not, it will be gut-check time for the rest of the Wolves. Either way it will be a great test for the Wolves to see how they bounce back with or without Butler.

One final thought: the Wolves have to learn to play without Butler. He can’t be solely relied on; that puts too much pressure on him and allows others to slack. Everyone needs to step up in order to become a great team.

Next: 5 things to know about Timberwolves' Gorgui Dieng

Offense wins games, and defense wins championships.