Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 goals for Jimmy Butler in 2017-18

3. Quickly adapt to a new set of teammates

Following a midseason trade of Taj Gibson to Oklahoma City, Jimmy Butler was left as the longest-tenured player on the Bulls roster. Six seasons in Chicago allowed Butler to establish himself as a truly elite player.

Only five players — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, LeBron James and Jimmy Butler — finished the 2016-17 season with averages of at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game.

Much of Butler’s gaudy averages came from the Bulls allowing him to dominate at will. Butler had the ball in his hands for an average of 5.0 minutes per game, attempted 297 more shots than any other player on the team and possessed the ball 69.8 times per game, just 2.6 fewer times per game than team-leader Rajon Rondo.

The addition of Butler to a team with the 10th highest offensive efficiency could lead to a bit of a learning curve. Kevin Durant believes there may not be enough possessions for Butler to thrive, especially with Jeff Teague and Andrew Wiggins needing the ball in their hands to contribute.

If Butler can manage to quickly ingrain himself into an efficient role within the offense, the Timberwolves could be in line for a rapid climb in the standings.