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NBA Player Power Rankings: One Week Left!

By Greg Chin

Jan 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors won 126-113. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors won 126-113. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) steals the ball from New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) steals the ball from New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Jimmy Butler (Chicago Bulls)

This was a mixed week for the Chicago Bulls. On one hand, Derrick Rose made his return from a torn meniscus. But on the other, they lost two out of three games, which ended hope of them winning the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Focusing on the positives, Rose’s return to the lineup against the Orlando Magic didn’t seem to take away from Jimmy Butler’s production. Butler put in a well-rounded performance, going for 19 points, five rebounds, and six assists. He shot 6-of-10 from the floor, and was a deadly 3-of-4 from deep. The Butler-Rose pairing has the potential to decide many playoff games for the Bulls, and it is imperative that the two can find a way to thrive alongside each other.

The Bulls have just four games left in the regular season, and most of that time will be spent fine-tuning the lineup. While other teams might have the luxury of resting players, the Bulls will be using this stretch of games to give Rose and Butler the playing time they need to gel.

Next: Lowry