Minnesota Sports Forum

Q12543 wrote:
Yeah, it's an intriguing lineup. It would be a potentially brilliant play by Thibs because it addresses some of the concerns previously expressed about Butler:

1. The "lead dog" issue - As full-time PG, getting others involved is in the job description. He'd be able to still be a lead dog in the sense he would quarterback the offense, but getting KAT, Wiggins, and LaVine shots would be a mandate from the coach. He'd need to embrace this role and only play hero ball when the right match-up presents itself and the offense stagnates. PPG would go down, but APG would go up.

2. The lack of wing 3-point shooting issue - This lineup keeps LaVine as the starting SG and he is the high-volume 3-point shooter and floor spacer. Meanwhile, even though he isn't a dead eye shooter, Butler is still an upgrade over Rubio in this department

3. Defensive versatility and offensive mismatches - Rubio is a great defensive PG, but Butler is more versatile because he can guard all three perimeter positions. He can also better take advantage of mis-matches when a little guard or big man is switched onto him.

I think the biggest concern for me is whether he truly can run an offense. He certainly doesn't have the advanced pick and roll skills or open court floor vision of Rubio, or most other PGs for that matter. I even think there are a few other SGs with better floor vision and passing skills: Manu, Harden, and Wade for example.

But still....a Butler-LaVine-Wiggins starting perimeter trio has a lot to offer while also mitigating some of the earlier concerns voiced about a potential Butler trade.