Jimmy Butler cleared for contact, Bjelica should continue getting minutes

The Minnesota Timberwolves most important player has been cleared for contact, a large hurdle cleared in his quest to return for the playoffs. 

Jimmy Butler has reportedly been cleared for contact, another step in recovery process. Coming off of knee surgery in February, Butler has been rehabbing his knee in the hope that he will be able to return from his injury in time for the Timberwolves first round playoff matchup. 

As you may have heard, the Wolves have not made the playoffs since the 03-04 season and If the postseason started today, the Wolves would be the fifth seed in the Western Conference and would be starting a very winnable series against the Kawai Leonard-less San Antonio Spurs.

Now that we have seen what Nemanja Bjelica can produce with more playing time, there needs to be a way for Thibs to lengthen his bench and include Bjelica in the rotation with increased minutes, while allowing Butler and his starters to get their minutes and in doing so, their points.

If the Timberwolves can hold their spot and get Jimmy Butler back for the playoffs in the fifth seed, Bjlica could provide the three-point shooting that the wolves desperately need to compete in the playoffs. On the other hand, if they were to slip a spot or two, it would be nearly impossible for this team to score enough points to win a series against the firepower in the top two seeds in the West.

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Thibodeau’s rotation when Butler returns remains a mystery and will determine what kind of scoring output this team is capable of. What Butler will look like when he gets back is a different story. If the Wolves can put it all together and start firing on all cylinders going into the playoffs, they might be able to do some damage.