Jimmy Butler’s mind may be his edge heading into free agency

Longtime NBA assistant Andy Greer discussed free agent-to-be Jimmy Butler, Tom Thibodeau and more on this edition of On The Mark.

When Andy Greer, a 36-year NBA coaching veteran, was fired by the Minnesota Timberwolves after Jimmy Butler’s trade to the Philadelphia 76ers last year, his biggest disappointment had nothing to do with himself.

It was all about Jimmy.

“I was disappointed for the organization. I was disappointed for Jimmy [Butler],” Greer reflected. “Any time things don’t work out, both parties are at fault. Jimmy felt like it was time for him to go, the organization agreed and traded him. I don’t think it was good for Jimmy, or for the organization.”

Despite the bitter end, Greer still sees some positive from the relationship between Butler and Minnesota.

“I think his time in Minnesota was great for the organization and good for Jimmy. The organization lost 14 straight years, didn’t make the playoffs. Jimmy’s attitude and playing ability changed all that. People forget, Jimmy missed (27) games and we were one game from being the four-seed in the west. Who knows what happens in the playoffs if you are in a different situation?”

Butler is now a free agent after Philadelphia was eliminated by Toronto. The interest should be strong for a player who was once the last pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft. Butler gets kudos for spending countless hours in the gym to work himself into one of the top players in the game. Greer sees a mental side that doesn’t get enough credit.

“He certainly worked hard, but one of the great strengths about Jimmy’s game is how smart he is,” Greer explained. “He is really a bright player. He picks up sets very well. The great players in this league, see things before they happen, and they think ahead. His mental edge, what he has over others, has certainly helped him became the player he is now.”

Greer is hoping to continue to work in the NBA, perhaps some day again with Thibodeau.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work with him for 13 years. I think he is one of the best coaches in the world,” Greer remarked. “For the critics who say he works from six in the morning to midnight, I think that is exaggerated. He works really hard, but you know what, that is what he loves to do. Its not like he is in their miserable and the next day his is cranky cause he is working hard. He loves to coach, he loves to study the game. And what he does, gives his team the best chance to win by studying the game so much.”

Greer sees the off-the-court-side of Thibodeau as well.

“As far as his outside interests, we share a lot of dinners, we hang out a lot, we’ve been to concerts,” Greer shared. “People like to pin him in certain situations, but the people who truly know him really see a different side. I just want people to know, he is great coach, he is going to have his team prepared, players love playing for him. And on top of everything, he is a great friend.”

On The Mark comes out every Monday afternoon.