Jimmy Butler’s Intense Leadership: Taj Gibson Shares a Wild Timberwolves Story
NBA veteran Taj Gibson revealed some fascinating details about Jimmy Butler’s time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and his approach to handling teammates.
Gibson, who played alongside Butler on both the Chicago Bulls and the Timberwolves, explained that the current Miami Heat star was notably tough on his teammates in certain situations.
“The Timberwolves were trying to offer Jimmy some money, but it wasn’t enough,” Gibson said. “Jimmy wanted to be recognized as the alpha, the go-to guy. And to be fair, he was. He took the big shots, set up plays, and also chastised teammates. He’d say, ‘If you do that again, I’m beatin’ you up.’ I was like, ‘Really? That’s your approach?’”
Butler’s tenure with the Timberwolves was short, lasting less than two seasons before he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2018-19 season. He immediately made an impact, helping the Sixers reach the second round of the playoffs, only to lose to the Toronto Raptors on Kawhi Leonard’s iconic game-winning shot in Game 7.
Since joining the Heat, Butler has led Miami to two NBA Finals appearances in five seasons.
Butler’s time in Minnesota was marked by numerous issues, including a notorious practice session where he aggressively challenged his teammates and later voiced his frustration in an interview.
“People don’t see the whole picture,” Butler said. “If your No. 1 priority isn’t winning, it shows. That’s where conflicts arise and where the disconnect happens.”
Reports from 2020 suggested Butler was unhappy with the perceived lack of professionalism among the Timberwolves, likely contributing to his departure from the team.
Despite his unorthodox methods, Butler’s leadership as the alpha player helped the Timberwolves reach the playoffs in the 2017-18 season.
In Miami, Butler has proven he can be the best player on a championship-caliber team, leading the Heat to the Eastern Conference Finals in three of the last five seasons. With hopes of returning to that level next season, Butler aims to lead Miami back to the top after being sidelined by injury during the recent playoffs.
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