The Minnesota Timberwolves have gotten off to an encouraging start through the first 35 games of the season possessing one of the four best records in the Western Conference.

According to John Meyer of Canishoopus.com, Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau credits much of that turnaround to the play and presence of All-Star forward Jimmy Butler in his first campaign with the team.

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Thibodeau decided to make the move to bring in Butler, who he spent few seasons coaching with the Chicago Bulls, to help further change the culture in Minnesota. The 28-year-old has been a key part of helping the team find its identity on both ends of the floor.

The Timberwolves possess one of the league's highest-scoring offenses that ranks sixth with 108.9 points per game and 47.6 percent shooting from the field while committing just the second-lowest 12.6 turnovers in the NBA. Butler has been a significant part of that offensive firepower in December averaging 27.0 points per game on 50.4 percent shooting from the field in 13 games played.

This includes topping 20 or more points 11 times while pushing it north of 30 points on six occasions. Butler is now averaging 21.4 points on a career-high 47 percent shooting from the field with 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

With the Timberwolves beginning to hit stride winning their last five games, it could see them push their way up the standings while the value of Butler will be on full display. If Minnesota hopes to become a legitimate challenger to the Golden State Warriors, it will require their offseason addition to be a major factor.