Report: Jimmy Butler hopes to return for playoffs
By Ben Beecken
The latest report related to Jimmy Butler‘s injured knee features the news that the Timberwolves’ All-Star plans to return within a four-to-six-week time frame, which would allow him to compete in the playoffs.
As covered earlier on Saturday, an injured meniscus could mean an absence of a couple of weeks, all the way to a multi-month timetable. According to Shams Charania of Yahoo (and, apparently, Jimmy himself), Jimmy Butler plans to return in time to play in the postseason, provided his team makes the playoffs without him.
First, here’s what Butler himself is telling anyone that will listen.
Tom Thibodeau will address reporters here in Minnesota shortly. But Butler is telling people he plans to be back for playoffs.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 25, 2018
And while Tom Thibodeau is understandably cautious about setting any expectations to the media, Charania is reporting that surgery is the most likely path for Butler, and that a four-to-six week timetable is apparently within reach.
Jimmy Butler is expected to undergo surgery in coming days and could return within 4-to-6 weeks, league sources tell Yahoo. Final timetable will be set after procedure.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 25, 2018
Tough blow for Minnesota, but Butler and team are hopeful of a return within that timetable from meniscus surgery. Butler has led Timberwolves to fourth seed in the West so far, with OKC just one game behind. https://t.co/cF6XxJ0I9c
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 25, 2018
Of course, a four week absence would mean that Butler would return in time to get a handful of games under his belt before the playoffs. Then again, the team may need his help to even make the playoffs, and a four week return could give them the boost that they need to end the much-discussed 14-year playoff drought.
A six-week absence would bring us right up to the start of the playoffs, and Butler would have to work his way back into game shape and knock the rust off on the NBA’s biggest stage. Not ideal, of course, but a rusty Jimmy Butler is surely better than Jimmy Butler in street clothes.
So, what’s Butler up to on Saturday night? Oh, nothing, just showing up to work on crutches in order to fulfill a Make-A-Wish obligation.
Matthew Long, a @MakeaWish fan from Seattle whose dream was to meet @JimmyButler, had his #WishDay come true tonight! https://t.co/KpWIXGAPeB
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 25, 2018
Jimmy G. Buckets is a man of his word, folks.
The Timberwolves will tip-off against Chicago at 8 p.m. CT on Saturday night. Remember, the Bulls defeated the Wolves at United Center just over three weeks ago in Butler’s return, so the Butler-less Wolves will be looking for revenge this time around. Nemanja Bjelica will reportedly step into the starting lineup for Minnesota.
Next: How the Wolves adjusted their pick-and-roll defense
We’ll have reaction after the game and continued coverage of Butler’s injury and pending decision regarding surgery and a direction for recovery.