Butler Remains The Focal Point
In the past, when you come across Dwayne Wade or Rajon Rondo’s name on a roster, it’s safe to assume that they are that respective team’s top player in terms of production. But in Chicago, that role is limited to one, and one player only–Jimmy Butler.
Since entering the league in 2011-12, Butler has emerged as one of the best shooting guard in the league. Since his rookie season averaging an unimpressive 2.6 points per game, he now averages 20.9 and will likely continue to increase that number.
It isn’t only on the offensive side of the ball where Butler has made strides. He is viewed to the majority as a top two-way player in the entire NBA.
Each night, the three-time NBA All-Defensive second-teamer is rewarded with the responsibility of guarding the oppositions best perimeter player, whether it be at shooting guard, small forward, or even sometimes, the point guard position.
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Butler had a career-high usage percentage of 24.4. For the past three season, Butler has seen that number increase an average of 3.2 per season. If that rate were to continue, he would be somewhere in the top 20 players league-wide based off last season’s ratings.
If the Bulls plan to maximize their potential, continuing to have Butler involved as much as possible is what needs to happen.
The glaring problem is the fact that Wade and Rondo are so used to being the ball-dominant player on their teams. Last season for the Miami Heat, Wade had a usage rate of 31.6–good enough for fifth in the league.
Rondo ranked second in the NBA in touches per game with 95.0–only second to John Wall‘s 98.7 according to NBA.com.
Guaranteeing those two players are willing to take a step back in terms of involvement within the offense will be something that remains to be seen.
Wade did this once before when LeBron James and Chris Bosh teamed up with him in Miami, but it’s unsure if he’d be willing to do it again on a team who will be hoping for a playoff berth rather than being a frontrunner for a championship.
Rondo hasn’t seemed to deal well with having the ball out of his hands more often. During his stint in Dallas, he was basically kicked off the team during the playoffs after he and head coach Rick Carlisle continuously butted heads about what sets were being called.
Rondo thought he should have more control over what was being called. As a result of this, the team exiled him in their opening playoff series by putting him on the inactive list.
The Bulls belong to Butler. It needs to remain that way.