Ranking the top 50 NBA players of next season: 20-11

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 09: Ben Simmons #25 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Chicago Bulls in the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on February 9, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 118-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

9 of 10

NBA (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

12. Jimmy Butler

What a year for Jimmy Butler. After forcing his way to the Miami Heat a season ago many (myself included) thought he was happy to take his money and chill on a solid but unserious team. Butler showed everyone just how wrong that was.

The common question thrown out by debate shows is whether or not a player is good enough to be the best player on a championship team. Butler changed that perception of him last season as he helped push the Heat within a couple of games of a title as the clear leader of the team. As annoying as it gets to hear about Heat Culture he embodies that fully.

Butler is a force of competitive nature and, along with Bam Adebayo, has changed the perception of the Miami Heat as a contender in the league today. They are one of the favorites to win it all and Jimmy Butler looks like one of the stars of the league again. He does not need a 3-point shot because his teammates do that enough for him. He is a solid scoring option and can still take the toughest defensive assignment as needed. He is everything that the Heat could have wanted as a franchise leader.