4. Jimmy Butler (SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves, 2019 UFA)
Jimmy Butler is in the lead of a 2019 class who possess top firepower in the league. The combo wing is arguably the best two-way player in the NBA.
Butler’s stems spring from being the 30th pick in the 2011 draft. This was wild, considering his jump from a bottom first round choice to being a top-15 player in the NBA. ESPN Senior NBA Draft Analyst and former DraftExpress CEO Jonathan Givony gave this insight on Butler:
"Looking through the rest of this class of forwards, including Marcus Morris, Chris Singleton, and Derrick Williams, a few things stand out. First is how well Jimmy Butler seems to rank in virtually every category, starting with overall offensive efficiency (6th), and continuing with turnover rate (2nd best), free throw rate (2nd) and transition scoring (2nd). If he can improve his ability to make shots with his feet set (13th, 36% FG) he will likely carve out a long career for himself considering how staunch of a defender he is."
Givony’s crystal ball showed him what Butler was truly capable of. This season, Butler was, at many points, the dark horse of the MVP award. Minnesota was in the driver seat for their first playoff appearance in 13 years due to his style of play. The Timberwolves have allowed a staggering 33 more points per 100 possessions when Jimmy is off the court.
Unfortunately, there is one area where Jimmy Butler might not be the answer for Los Angeles. A similar player to Butler’s effect is already on the roster. Luol Deng has already seen the pitfalls of playing under head coach Tom Thibodeau. The Lakers gave him a $72M contract back in 2016.
Similar effects have happened with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Butler is currently injured with a torn meniscus. Sure, it might not be a career-altering injury. However, it might be one that we all should keep an eye on.
When the 2019 offseason rolls out, Butler will be a 30-years old. I am not against ruling out on signing a maximum with him, but injury scares and a pitfall from Rose and Deng might not be enough to make him the cream of the crop for Los Angeles.