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Chicago Bulls: Midseason Report Card From 2016-17

By James D. Tillman III

Jan 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) and his teammates huddle up during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) and his teammates huddle up during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) points during the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) points during the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler (a.k.a. Jimmy G. Buckets) has been the Bulls best player and top scoring option in each of the last two seasons. For those of us who thought that Butler would wilt under the pressure of being the cornerstone of the franchise, that assessment would have been incorrect.

Once again, Butler is spearheading Chicago’s attack, leading the team in points (24.8), steals (1.7) and minutes played per contest (36.8).

Additionally, in six clutch-game scenarios (plays that occur in the fourth quarter or overtime, with less than five minutes remaining, and neither team ahead by more than five points) between mid-December and early January, Butler scored a total 40 points on 12-for-18 shooting from the field; converted 16 of 17 attempts from the charity stripe while committing just two turnovers.

Even more important, the Bulls posted a 4-2 record over that stretch.

One other point that is worth mentioning is the fact that Butler has performed well even Wade doesn’t suit up.

In four full games that Butler has played in when Wade was out of the lineup, he posted averages of 33.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists per contest on an efficient 54 percent shooting.

So to recap, we have a player that leads the team in multiple categories while getting the job done at both ends of the floor. Along with that, Butler continuously rises to the occasion when another star player is out of lineup and he is a legitimate MVP candidate.

Next: 30 Greatest Ball Handlers of All-Time

Based on the solid production, it is safe to say that Butler’s grade at this point is a no-brainer.

Midseason Grade: A+

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