NBA Player Power Rankings: The Top 20 Players Of 2016-17

Feb 18, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Western Conference guard Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) and Western Conference guard James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) during the NBA All-Star Practice at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 12, 2017; 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. Chicago defeats Brooklyn 112-73. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls

Position: Small Forward
Age: 27 (9/14/1989)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .455/.367/.865
2016-17 Season Averages: 37.0 MPG, 23.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.2 3PM

The Chicago Bulls somehow made it to the 2017 NBA Playoffs. Somehow, of course, translates to Jimmy Butler overcoming distractions from the Bulls’ front office, coaching staff, and players during what was nearly a disastrous season.

Overcoming adversity to lead Chicago to the playoffs not only helped Butler’s star status, but may have earned him a first career All-NBA nod.

The Bulls seemed to do everything imaginable to sabotage their own potential. Assistant coach Randy Brown was accused of being a mole for an untrustworthy front office and veterans Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade publicly feuded.

Through it all, Butler seemed to keep his head down and continue pushing, thus saving Chicago from a season that would be as embarrassing as the front office deserved it to be.

Butler finished the 2016-17 regular season at No. 4 overall in Real Plus-Minus, which is a fair indication of his value. He was one of the few players on the Bulls who stepped up on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis.

If the Bulls are going to shock the world against the No. 1 seed Boston Celtics, Butler will need to continue his development into a true franchise player.