Tom Thibodeau's number one thrust as a coach is defense. He proved it during his tenure with the Chicago Bulls. But with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he has received flak for his team's lack of effort to play defense. Jimmy Butler, currently nursing an injury, is aware of the criticism and has stepped up to defend his coach.

As reported by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, it is not entirely Thibodeau's fault that the Wolves lack effort. It's the players themselves who have shortcomings.

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Along with defensive-minded Thibodeau, the Timberwolves have premiere defenders Taj Gibson and Butler. Despite this, they're one of the worst defensive teams in the league. Last season, they gave up 109.1 points per 100 possessions for 26th in the league. Their rank didn't budge this season as they are giving up 108.9 points per 100 possessions.

Butler was brutally honest. The team simply didn't want to play defense. As reported by Jace Frederick of TwinCities.com:

“We’ve got to have that will to want to guard,” Butler said. “To tell you the truth, we haven’t done it all year. We’ve had stretches where it’s looked solid, then you go back to what you’ve been seeing. All in all, we’ve just got to want to play defense.”

“I’ve got friends in the league … but in between those lines, it’s a different story,” Butler said. “Especially right now, this late in the season with what we’re fighting for, no layups — zero. Right now, in the position that we are (in) … everybody’s playing for the fight of their life.”