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Minnesota Timberwolves wing Andrew Wiggins downplayed the practice blowout that took place two weeks ago as his teammate Jimmy Butler made his official return to the team, calling it merely competitive.
“It wasn't that bad,” said Wiggins, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg. “I feel like from the outside looking in it was a lot worse than from the inside looking out. As basketball players, competitors, it was just a competitive practice. It wasn't as chaotic as people think.”
Jimmy Butler had reportedly scrimmaged with his teammates on the Timberwolves for an hour, taking the third stringers on his team to embarrass the starting unit in a game to 11 points. The four-time All-Star reportedly went after his teammates, coach and general manager verbally, claiming “you need me” as he drained buckets on his fellow teammates.
Players like Taj Gibson claimed the same as Andrew Wiggins, saying it's just Butler's over-competitive nature that sparked a profanity-laced practice upon his return. Butler attributed to that same reason in his interview with ESPN's Rachel Nichols — one that instantly provided answers to Butler's feelings toward the franchise.
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Asked about his personal relationship with Butler, Wiggins claimed there isn't any beef to cook, despite reports that Butler had grown tired of his and Karl-Anthony Towns' nonchalant attitudes on the court.
“Me and Jimmy have always been cool,” said Wiggins. “Even the first time I saw him at training camp, we talked, there was never a problem. People on social media make things bigger than what it is.”
Their issue is most likely either something internal or something that has been hashed out after the team met privately with Jimmy Butler prior to the start of the regular season. One thing is sure — where there is smoke, there's fire.
