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NBA Player Power Rankings: MVP Candidates Continue To Clash

By Maxwell Ogden

January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 17, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) looks to pass while Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) during the first quarter of the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) looks to pass while Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) during the first quarter of the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls

Position: Small Forward
Age: 27 (9/14/1989)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .452/.345/.867
2016-17 Season Averages: 36.8 MPG, 24.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.2 3PM

Some may view this as a low ranking for Jimmy Butler, but every player from hereon out has played at a superstar level—and one could argue that a select few before Butler have, as well. That paints the picture of a slight, but Top 15 status has been tough to attain in 2016-17.

The Chicago Bulls continue to struggle to maintain a .500 record, which is the only reason Butler isn’t a Top 10 player.

Butler is posting career-best averages of 24.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, and he’s doing so with efficiency. He’s shooting well from the field and distance, and is getting to the free throw line for a career-best mark of 9.7 free throw attempts per game.

Butler has helped Chicago win two of its past three games since it dropped three in a row while he battled injuries, and his versatility is a primary reason why.

Butler posted 28 points, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals, and two blocks in his first game back—a 107-99 win. He followed with 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

After closing out the week with 24 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds during a 99-98 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Butler looks to be back at full strength.