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5 reasons Andrew Wiggins is more valuable than Jimmy Butler

By Tom West

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) against the New York Knicks at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) against the New York Knicks at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 25, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau calls a play in the second quarter during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau calls a play in the second quarter during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s Wiggins’ turn to work with Tom Thibodeau

The athleticism, the defensive potential and versatility; everything that Andrew Wiggins has in his arsenal, Tom Thibodeau can help unlock. As the new Timberwolves head coach, making his return to the NBA to lead the most tantalizing young roster out there, he can start improving them from their 2015-16 ranking of 27th in defensive efficiency and create a unit that thrives off more organized, high-effort defense.

At the forefront of that improvement should be Wiggins.

We already know what Towns can do as a 20-year-old and his ceiling feels almost limitless, with the possibility of winning multiple MVP awards seeming like something he’ll be more than capable of when his time comes. Wiggins, more than Towns, could benefit from Thibs’ expertise, which should see him rise in both IQ and impact.

Wiggins’ defensive ability has been displayed in flashes from his length at the perimeter to his rejections as he tails opponents on drives to the rim, but Thibs’ knows how to implement the kind of team defense and rotations that can see Wiggins do more. He has a lot to work on when it comes to switching effectively and generally reading and guarding an opponent’s movements (players shot higher than their average from every measured distance against Wiggins, per NBA.com), and we should see him come closer to his high defensive ceiling under Thibs’ tutelage.

Butler had his turn with Thibodeau in Chicago, and now it’s Wiggins’ turn to enjoy that leadership and see exactly where it takes him. If he shows this much promise already, why wouldn’t the Timberwolves want to see what’s in store once Thibs is around?

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