As most fans of the NBA know, many of the players and athletes involved are focused and fixated on their own egos. We know that plenty of elite superstar players view themselves above all others, some even more than the star teammates they play with every other night. This is why it came as no surprise to some when only a week before the Minnesota Timberwolves season opener against the San Antonio Spurs, player Jimmy Butler dropped a bombshell (and buckets) on his teammates in one of his first team practices of the preseason.
After the previous season of expectations and an offseason full of speculations of a trade (that Butler had requested), the ball finally dropped for the Minnesota star. In a tweet from expert NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, it was revealed that Butler walked into a scrimmage between the starters and the third-string bench players. He then joined the bench players and ‘dominated’ the starters in every way. Wojnarowski also said that he was “verbally challenging teammates, coaches and front office” and that “Butler was vociferous and emotional at times“, particularly targeting the coaching staff and franchise players Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. Butler also apparently yelled “you f***ing need me. You can’t win without me.” After this incident, Butler not only left the gym but left his teammates and coaches largely speechless.
What makes this even more interesting is that only a few hours after Butler had left the gym he had a planned interview with ESPN host Rachel Nichols where they discussed the “brutally honest” practice, his problems with the Wolves franchise and front office as well as his young teammates, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. They talk about his emotions to the game and that what he says is 100 per cent true and he has no problems if anybody in the Wolves franchise challenges his views, especially players.
What I found most interesting is is when Butler questions the work ethic and talents of the two young number one picks on his team, Towns and Wiggins.
When asked about who came at him and challenged him during practice, Butler said “I’m not the most talented player. Who’s the most talented player on our team? KAT. Who’s the most god-gifted player on our team? Wigs. Wigs got the longest arms, the biggest hands, can jump the highest, can run the fastest. But like who plays the hardest? Me. I play hard. I play really hard. I put my body on the line every damn practice. Every day in the games. That’s my passion. That’s how I give to the game. That’s how I give to you guys.”
This seems to imply that there are chemistry issues within the team and that he is the only one on the Timberwolves playing with heart and a 100 per cent commitment to winning.
As of 20/10/2018, the season has only just started and Butler has played in both games for Minnesota against the Spurs and the Cavs, scoring 23 and 33 points respectively against both teams. As of now, Butler has not been traded to another team in the league. However, it may be only a matter of time before this happens as Butler has made his intentions clear that he is not a fan of his situation in Minnesota. On the other hand, if the Timberwolves can somehow mend the messy relationship with Jimmy Butler it may prove to be valuable for the team. It could motivate the team and his teammates into gear for a deep playoff run, however, this still remains to be seen.
Bodie Edwards
Bodie's Sport Blog 
Leave a comment