Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking every player on the 2018-19 roster post-trade deadline
3. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler’s season has been a rollercoaster. It began with an awkward, tumultuous situation with the Minnesota Timberwolves in which now ex-Timberwolves coach, Tom Thibodeau, tried to keep Butler and salvage the team. After only playing ten game with Minnesota, Butler was traded to Philadelphia.
With Philadelphia, Butler found immediate success. He hit two buzzer-beater threes within the first couple weeks of joining the team. Butler appeared to be a great addition in that his near career high three-point shooting helped space the floor while he also served as their late game hero.
Yet, as has gone with Butler, things weren’t perfectly smooth. Reports were leaked that him and Brett Brown had a fiery back-and-forth and that both him and Embiid were unhappy with the way they were being utilized. The reports led to rumblings from those outside the organization about whether Butler fit with the team or was worth the headache.
Of course, talent wins out and winning cures all.
Since those rumblings, Philadelphia added Tobias Harris and went from a potential three-way power struggle to a four-man star studded affair.
The qualms about shot selection and play calling have grown quieter. In fact, the biggest issue recently has been Butler’s passivity. Over the next 19 games, Butler will need to continue to assert himself. He should look to attack the basket and put pressure on the other team’s bigs just as Embiid does. From there, Philadelphia will be able to further dominate with their size.
With Embiid scheduled to come back soon, Philadelphia will look to continue to quickly learn what works best for one another in time for the playoffs.