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Chicago Bulls: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

By James D. Tillman III

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jimmy Butler (SG/SF) — No. 30 pick in 2011 NBA Draft

Career stats:  399 GP, 15.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 1.4 TOV, 44.8 FG%, 33.7 3P%, 82.8 FT%

The Bulls were coming off their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 13 years. On the heels of their great run, they were hoping to add another player to the roster that would help them to challenge the Miami Heat for conference supremacy.

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With the 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Bulls selected Jimmy Butler from Marquette University. Unlike some of the players on this list, Butler did not make an immediate impact.

To be honest, he was barely a footnote during his rookie campaign, as he averaged 2.6 points in 8.5 minutes per contest. Having said that, it appeared the Bulls had missed the boat with this selection.

But thanks to injuries, Butler would eventually be given the chance to show what he could do, and he would not disappoint. Over the next five years, Butler developed a reputation for being a solid defender and increased his scoring average each season.

Furthermore, Butler is coming off a 2016-17 season in which he posted career highs in points (23.9 per game), rebounds (6.2 per game) and assists (5.5 per game).

With three All-Star selections — along with winning the Most Improved Player award in 2015 —  Butler is considered one of the best two-way players in the NBA. Being that he has been Chicago’s top scoring option over the past few seasons, it is of little surprise that he has become the face of the franchise.

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