Mike Dinovo – USA TODAY Sports
Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah have been the centerpieces and core group of the Chicago Bulls the last couple of seasons. They have reached a lot of goals and achievements together including All Star game appearances, best record in basketball and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. But to reach the next level and to dethrone the two-time champion Miami Heat, they needed a wing player who can knock down shots and play big-time defense. That player goes by the name of Jimmy Butler, the second-year guard out of Marquette, who is ready to step in and be the missing piece to the core group of the Bulls.
Last season, I don’t think anybody saw this much improvement from Jimmy Butler. It was expected that he would improve, but not this fast and effortlessly. He was pushed in the starting lineup because of all the injuries to the Bulls and he contributed right away. He emerged as a threat offensively and defensively as the season progressed. He gained a lot of confidence in his jumper to the point where you can’t leave him alone at the three-point line. His ball handling has improved so much that he can slash and attack the rim at will. He was always known as a solid defender; he really made an impression in that department as well. Butler brings energy, effort and does not back down from a defensive assignment. He will guard a quick point guard like Chris Paul to big small forwards like Lebron James or Carmelo Anthony. With that type of effort on defense, Jimmy Butler is a very valuable asset on that end of the floor.
The Chicago Bulls have been searching for the right guard to play along and complement the skills of Derrick Rose for the last couple of years. They have tried role players like Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer and Keith Bogans. They brought in veteran Rip Hamilton to take pressure off Rose. None of those guys worked out and have been let go. Jimmy Butler is the answer to the shooting guard problem. Next season, Rose will finally have that threat playing with him in the backcourt. Bulls fans, you should be excited because Jimmy Butler will be that important piece for this team to win the championship.
Courtney Harden is a Chicago Bulls writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @courtney110979, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
