5 reasons Andrew Wiggins is more valuable than Jimmy Butler

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Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrate during the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Wiggins is a better sidekick for Karl-Anthony Towns

If Butler came to Minnesota, he wouldn’t necessarily take many more field goal attempts than Wiggins, but there’s something to be said for a two-time All-Star taking away some of the youth development mentality.

As an established talent, Butler won’t simply want to ride along with players five years younger than him as they eventually make a push for the 8th seed in the West. He’ll most likely look to be more of an aggressor, more of a leader, and more of a go-to scorer. Of course, those aren’t necessarily bad things for a team looking to rise up the incredibly tough Western Conference and there’s a reason Tom Thibodeau wants to reunite with Butler, but the Timberwolves should prepare for Karl-Anthony Towns as their future MVP and they shouldn’t alter that trend.

Wiggins is at the early stage of his career where he’s developing offensively, primarily in terms of his weak three-point shot (30 percent this season), pull-up and mid-range game. Unless he sees a major improvement in such areas and his handle, he looks more suited to being at least a secondary offensive option.

This compliments everything Towns proved he’ll be able to do in his exceptional unanimous Rookie of the Year campaign. He made 30 threes at a 34.1 percent rate while burying a ridiculous 50.1 percent of his shots from 16 feet to the three-point line, either from pick-and-pops with Ricky Rubio or even with surprisingly effective step-backs for a 7-footer. As Towns’ range improves further still and he continues to develop his already impressive footwork and touch in the post, he’ll become the obvious anchor of the Timberwolves at both ends of the floor.

Butler won’t necessarily be detrimental to that, but if he doesn’t want to be a second or third option down the line as he pursues more All-Star appearances and accolades, Wiggins may be the best sidekick to let Towns take the reins as much as possible.

Next: Wiggins is Butler's athletic superior

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