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Chicago Bulls: 5 Things To Know About Jimmy Butler’s Injury

By James D. Tillman III

Feb 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) is loaded onto a cart after a play in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) is loaded onto a cart after a play in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls guard E’Twaun Moore (55) talks with teammate guard Kirk Hinrich (12) in the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Bulls won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls guard E’Twaun Moore (55) talks with teammate guard Kirk Hinrich (12) in the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Bulls won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Which Role Player Comes To The Rescue?

Butler leads the Bulls in multiple categories including points (22.4 per game), minutes played (37.9) and steals (1.7) while shooting a respectable 46 percent from the field. Having said that, which role players will step up to help fill the void created by his injury?

What about Mike Dunleavy?

Nah, he just recently returned to the lineup and should not be expected to log heavy minutes anytime soon.

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    • The next players on the list are Tony Snell and Doug McDermott. While Snell gives a solid effort from a defensive standpoint, his offense is hit or miss for the most part. In fact, it has been nearly a month since the last time he has reached double figures.

    In contrast, McDermott is playing better under Hoiberg compared to Thibodeau’s last season with the team. This assertion is supported by the fact that his 8.1 points per contest are a five-point increase from the 2014-15 campaign.

    However, his defense, or lack thereof, continues to be an issue. Not only does McDermott have the second-worst defensive rating on the roster (110), per Basketball-Reference.com, but opposing forwards often go at McDermott because they feel they have a favorable matchup, and rightfully so.

    Another role player that has flown under the radar until recently is E’Twaun Moore. At the beginning of the Bull’s seven-game road trip, Hoiberg inserted Moore into the starting rotation and the reserve guard has not disappointed.

    During his eight appearances in the starting lineup, Moore’s has reached double figures three times and is averaging 11.9 points, 3.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds per contest. Furthermore, he is shooting 46.4 percent overall and 46.2 percent from beyond the arc.

    One of Moore’s impressive outings came against the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 3. In that contest he scored 24 points, grabbed five rebounds and handed out five assists. While Moore will not put up 22 points per night like Butler, he has shown that he can be a scorer when the situation calls for it. Also, his ability to knock down the long ball provides the Bulls with additional floor spacing, something a team can never have too much of.

    Next: What Happens To Bulls' Trade Situation?

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