Jimmy Butler Helping To Take Pressure Off Derrick Rose
By Shane Phillips
@ShaneRantSports
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
If there is one thing that all basketball enthusiasts, Chicago Bulls fans, any other fans, Derrick Rose and players throughout the NBA can agree on, it’s the fact that we just want to see a healthy Rose on the court. The last two seasons have been a wash and this year nearly took the same turn as the point guard battled several injuries, including both ankles sprained at the same time. Knocking on wood, it appears Rose is finally back and healthy, but one player who has been a major factor in Chicago’s success this season has been Jimmy Butler.
The young guard is having the best season of his short career, as he is averaging 21.6 PTS, 6.2 REB and 3.4 AST. Surprisingly, those numbers have jumped greatly compared to the last two seasons without Rose. It appears that the two have found some backcourt chemistry together, and it showed against the New Orleans Pelicans. Butler put up 33 PTS on 12-18 shooting and Rose contributed 19 PTs as the Bulls defeated the Pelicans in the Windy City, 107-100. When the two guards start together, Chicago is 14-4; without them, they are 7-5.
It’s obvious that Rose and Butler benefit from one another, as well as feed off of each other. The threat of Rose preoccupies teams and opens up the possibilities for Butler, and with Butler playing so well, it also has the same effect for Rose. The emergence of Butler has not only been soothing and relieving for the Bulls franchise, but it is also a huge breath of fresh air for Rose. The All-Star point guard does not have to do it all or feel like he does. He has a complementary guard who can also take over in times of need. If Rose can keep himself healthy and on the hardwood, this could be a troublesome duo for teams across the league.
Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
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