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Chicago Bulls: 25 Best Players To Play For The Bulls

By Phil Watson

Mar 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the Michael Jordan statue outside of the United Center before the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the Michael Jordan statue outside of the United Center before the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-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 fist 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 fist quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 24. <strong>How acquired:</strong> 30th overall pick from Marquette, 2011 NBA Draft.. SG-SF. 2011-16. Jimmy Butler. 9

Jimmy Butler averaged almost 16 points and more than six rebounds per game as a senior at Marquette and didn’t attract a lot of notice as the final player taken in the first round by the Chicago Bulls at No. 30 overall.

Coming into the league after a lengthy lockout buried him at the end of the bench as a rookie, but he transitioned into the rotation in his second season, became a full-time starter in his third and exploded as a star in his fourth.

CHI_09_BUTLER
CHI_09_BUTLER /

Butler was the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2014-15, earned his first All-Star berth in 2015 and has been a three-time All-Defensive selection for the Bulls.

He led the NBA in minutes per game in 2014-15 after finishing second in 2013-14 and was fourth in the league in steals in 2013-14, as well.

Butler followed that up with a second All-Star nod in 2015-16 and was third in the league in minutes per game at 36.9 a night. He averaged a career-highs of 20.9 points and 4,8 assists per game.

In five seasons in Chicago, Butler has averaged 15.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals in 31.2 minutes per game, shooting .445/.328/.812.

He signed a five-year deal with the Bulls in July 2015 and is under contract through 2018-19, with a player option for 2019-20.

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