Fansided

Jimmy Butler wants Andrew Wiggins to be more like Jimmy Butler

By Jeremy Lambert

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 12: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves high five during the game against the New York Knicks on January 12, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 12: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves high five during the game against the New York Knicks on January 12, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Butler isn’t happy with Andrew Wiggins, but there are two sides to every story.

Jimmy Butler was brought to the Minnesota Timberwolves to do two things. First, help the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2003-04. Second, teach Andrew Wiggins everything he knows.

He accomplished the first goal. The second one isn’t going so well.

According to Sean Deveney of The Sporting News, Butler “had problems” with Wiggins last season. The report specifically mentions Butler questioning the work ethic and defensive approach of the 22-year-old guard. Tom Thibodeau experienced similar problems with Wiggins in his first season as head coach. He had hoped his former pupil in Chicago would help change the mindset of the 2014 number one overall pick, but alas, these millennials just want to sit around and play video games all day.

With Butler in the mix, Wiggins went from being the top option on the wing to watching Butler take all the shots he used to get. His points-per-game dropped from 23.6 to 17.7. He took four less shots per game and his shooting line was a pedestrian .438/.331/.643. 

Looking at it from Wiggins’ perspective, he has reason to be upset with Butler. Things were going just fine for Andrew before Thibodeau wanted to bring in more of his former players. Wiggins is the highest paid player on the team and it should have been Butler who adjusted to him, not the other way around. Plus, defense is overrated. The Cleveland Cavaliers went to the Finals with one of the worst defenses in the league and players who try hard on defense, including Butler, got injured.

This time last year, the Timberwolves made a big splash when they acquired the All-Star from Chicago. They might be forced to make another move to keep him happy in Minnesota.

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