In the NBA, the preseason is often viewed as a time for a franchise to get their first feel of their assembled roster while working out some of the kinks ahead of the regular season.

It is also a time for players to further establish bonds with their teammates before things hit into full swing. That is exactly what All-Star forward Jimmy Butler did during the Minnesota Timberwolves' long flight to China for preseason action, especially bonding with center Cole Aldrich.

“It was good. I went to sleep. Had a glass of wine with Cole [Aldrich], we talked about life, country music. It doesn't get too much better than that if you ask me.”

Although there is much focus on the play on the court, there is just as much importance of establishing working relationship off of it. Butler is heading into his first year with the Timberwolves and this is a crucial part in building team chemistry that can get the team through rough patches that will occur this upcoming season.

A long flight is a perfect situation where teammates can create stronger bonds by getting to know each other off the court and garnering more comfort among each other. If Minnesota hopes to make a significant leap forward toward being beyond a playoff contender, they must be a cohesive unit away from the game as well.

That said, it is quite clear that Butler is fitting in quite smoothly with his new team prior to what should be an exciting and entertaining season in Minnesota.