NBA Player Power Rankings: Ex-Teammates Dominate
20. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 27 (9/14/1989)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .476/.452/.888
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.7 MPG, 24.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.8 ORPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.6 3PM
Jimmy Butler is being mentored by three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade and one-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo. He appears to be benefiting from the presence of two of the most decorated guards of the past 15 years, if not all-time.
12 games in, Butler is playing at what may be the highest level of his already impressive NBA career.
Butler had one of the best games of his 335-game career when he destroyed the Washington Wizards in a 106-95 victory. He finished with 37 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, and three steals on 11-of-23 shooting from the field.
Butler was a perfect 14-of-14 from the free throw line in a spectacular game that came just three days after he dropped 39 points on the Atlanta Hawks.
Butler followed his eruption with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists on 9-of-16 shooting in a 113-88 blowout of the Portland Trail Blazers. He recorded another double-double the next time out with 20 points and 12 rebounds during an 85-77 win over the Utah Jazz.
Chicago has won four consecutive games and five of its past six outings. Butler has been the catalyst to team success.