Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Power Rankings: Top 20 Players Heading Into 2017

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against theMinnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against theMinnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 22
Next
Dec 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against Brooklyn Nets guard Randy Foye (2) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against Brooklyn Nets guard Randy Foye (2) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls

Position: Small Forward
Age: 27 (9/14/1989)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .453/.346/.890
2016-17 Season Averages: 36.4 MPG, 24.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 3PM

The Chicago Bulls are a mess on the offensive end of the floor. They’re overrun by non-shooters and a system that all but ignores the 3-point shot as an option, thus placing an overwhelming burden on slashing and pushing the pace.

The defense has stepped up to help Chicago pull back to an even .500 at 16-16, but none of the positives would be possible without Jimmy Butler.

Butler has impressed with his production, but it’s his clutch heroics that are most noteworthy. That much was on full display when he drained a game-winning buzzer beater to complete a performance for the ages.

Despite rolling his ankle with less than five minutes on the clock, Butler willed the Bulls to a 101-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Butler couldn’t put weight on his ankle, but adrenaline took over and he did the same. With Chicago trailing 97-90 with 2:35 remaining on the clock, Butler dominated with nine points in the final 2:34 alone.

Butler finished with his second 40-point game of the season and a gutsy clutch performance that will live on his career highlight reel for years to come.