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Chicago Bulls: 2015-16 Season Awards

By James D. Tillman III

Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) talks to forward Doug McDermott (3) against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) talks to forward Doug McDermott (3) against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Valuable Player: Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler became the Bulls’ best player during the 2014-15 season, and as a result of his outstanding play, he was rewarded with a max contract.

During last season, Butler took it upon himself to take more of a leadership role with the team, which wasn’t necessarily a good thing, according to long-time Bulls writer Sam Smith.

"“He’s really kind of full of himself,” Smith via LarryBrownSports.com. “He hangs around with Mark Wahlberg, the actor, and lets us know about that a lot. He goes around to premiers or whatever. He announced before the season that he’s the leader of the team and guys are looking around going, ‘What are you talking about?”"

Smith also went on to say that Butler had a tendency to isolate himself away from his teammates. Regardless of which narrative we choose to believe, Butler’s contributions on the court cannot be disputed.

For the second straight season, he led the Bulls in scoring with 20.9 points per contest. Butler also led the team in minutes (36.9), assists (4.8) and steals (1.6). He also finished with the third-highest player efficiency rating (21.3) among shooting guards.

While the roster will have a different look to it with the additions of Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo, Chicago’s success will heavily depend on how Butler continues to evolve as a player.

More hoops habit: Every NBA Franchise's Mount Rushmore

That being said, Butler was the MVP of this team last season and that will probably be the case over the next few years as well.

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