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4 Reasons the Memphis Grizzlies Should be in Jimmy Butler’s Preferred Teams

By Christian Dudley

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Fits with Defensive Blend

The Memphis Grizzlies have went all-in on upholding their defense-first style of play. A new coaching staff has not changed this team’s philosophy. Of four players introduced in the Grindhouse on Monday, just one — Omri Casspi — prides himself on some aspect other than defense.

Jimmy Butler would fit right in with the Grizzlies’ movement. He made a name for himself by being a ball hawk as a rookie for the 2011-12 Chicago Bulls. From there, his  minutes flourished and he was able to showcase his elite offensive game. For Butler, it all began with his defensive pressure.

Related Story. Grizzlies' Rookie Duo Vastly Different, Yet Similar. light

The Timberwolves’ wing has ranked in the NBA’s top-five for steals per game in both of the past two seasons. He is incredibly strong, long, and athletic at both wing positions, which enables him to dominate the opposition. Imagine a backcourt lineup that contains Jimmy Butler alongside point guard Mike Conley. Memphis would obtain a new nickname — “Steal City.”

The addition of Butler would ultimately take some of the weight off Conley’s shoulders, and also Marc Gasol‘s, too, as he bolsters the fort in the painted area. It is tough to imagine another NBA franchise topping this lineup in defensive statistical categories. Opponents simply would not escape the Grindhouse without an “L” attached to their loss column.

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