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| Image source: nypost.com |
Finally, the drama surrounding Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves is over, with the Wolves trading Butler recently to the Sixers in exchange for Dario Saric, Robert Covington, and a future draft pick. While this allows Minnesota to now focus on developing Anthony-Towns and Wiggins, it’s the Sixers that will immediately benefit more.
For one, Butler’s feisty attitude and gutsy play suit the tandem of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. He can likewise provide a consistent third option on offense, as well as clutch shooting and sound late-game decisions. Everyone in the NBA knows that Simmons’ weakness is his lack of an outside shot; Butler addresses this need, allowing better spacing for the Aussie star to drive the lane and pass to open shooters like Redick.
Butler’s first game in a Philly uniform was not bad, but it was on the road, and the team gave up a sizable lead in the fourth on its way to losing against Orlando. In the succeeding game, now in Philly, he netted 28 points on an impressive 12-of-15 shooting clip and led the Sixers to a close victory over the Jazz.
What’s promising about how this game turned out was that Butler didn’t seem to impede the play of the team’s other two stars, with Embiid getting 23 points and Simmons almost recording a triple-double. Yes, it’s still too early to say exactly how much of an impact Butler will have, as the team has yet to play top-seeded teams in both conferences with him around. But it’s plain to see that “the process” seems more realized with him around.
Hello, Michael Volitich here, a University of Florida creative writing student and a huge lover of literature, films, sports, and travel. Check out this blog for similar reads.
