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NBA Christmas Edition: Top 5 Players At Each Position Thus Far This Season

By Aaron Mah

Dec 8, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is guarded by Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State defeats Indiana 131-123. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is guarded by Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State defeats Indiana 131-123. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 SG: Jimmy Butler

Height: 6’7″ Weight: 230 Lbs. Wingspan: 6’7.5″ Standing Reach: 8’5.5″
Raw Stats: 21.5 PPG 5.0 RPG 3.3 APG 1.8 SPG 0.486 2FG% 0.326 3FG% 0.823 FT% 0.563 TS%
PER: 20.8
WS/48: 0.198
VORP: 1.6
RPM: 5.06 ORPM: 3.90 DRPM: 1.16
Team Record: 15-11

Functionally, starting alongside Tony Snell, he’s been playing much more small forward this year; but semantics aside, Jimmy Butler’s role continue to expand in his fifth season in the NBA.

It’s simply amazing how far the defensive specialist has come since his days as a Marquette Golden Eagle. While he probably ranks a tier below the league’s upper echelon of two-way wings (Paul George and Kawhi Leonard), Butler may just be the fiercest competitor at his position.

His stamina is incredible, as well. Not only does he carry a heavy offensive load and defend the opposing team’s best player night-in and night-out, Butler seems to grow stronger as the game wears on — as evident through the Bulls’ four-overtime classic against the Pistons last Friday.

Its funny how, despite the intent of their coaching change, the Bulls remain a defensive-oriented team, and Butler continues to rank within the top two in the league in minutes per game. Maybe Chicago’s identity speaks more so to Jimmy Bucket’s resolve and personality over any strategic changes.

Nonetheless, his resolve, two-way impact, and relentless makes him one of the elite wings the NBA has to offer.

Next: #3 Shooting Guard