Minnesota Timberwolves: Ranking 5 former Wolves in NBA bubble
By Josh Tyler
No. 2 – Jimmy Butler
Stats with Wolves
- Two seasons, 69 games
- 22 points, 4.8 points, 3.1 assists, 1.5 assists
Yes, we have to talk about Jimmy Butler.
Although Butler only played 69 games with the Timberwolves and had one of the ugliest departures from a team ever, we have to talk about him. Yes, he left the Wolves in shambles and should maybe be lower on this list because of it, but he was the one that led the Wolves to their first playoff berth since 2003.
In February of that season, the Wolves were 36-26 and the third seed in the Western Conference — good times. Unfortunately, Jimmy went down with a knee Injury and the Timberwolves went 8-9 in his absence. The Wolves were on the brink of elimination from playoff contention when they strung together a three-game win streak to sneak into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed.
The Timberwolves lost to the Houston Rockets in five games in the first round and were eliminated from the playoffs. However, the Wolves were hopeful for a return to the playoffs the following season. Until Jimmy Buckets struck, that is.
Legend has it that on Oct. 10, 2018, Butler rolled into practice, grabbed the third-stringers, and ran the table on the starters, all while berating general manager Scott Layden, who was sitting courtside. Jimmy was traded to the 76ers just over a month later, but the damage was done.
And while all that remains true, Butler willed this team to its first playoff berth in 13 years, and we can’t ignore it.