Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler NBA MVP Right Now
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
It wasn’t long ago that Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler was a shy rookie out of Marquette with a Houston attitude. Butler brought his country values with him throughout every stage of his basketball life, and that has translated into a something special.
Butler quickly became a fan and coach favorite for his selfless attitude, hard work and grit displayed on the floor. He is easily the most-improved player in the NBA this season, and is establishing himself as an early favorite for the NBA MVP award. The only other player that has been a clear-cut MVP candidate this season is Houston Rockets guard James Harden, and Butler owned Harden on Monday night in Chicago.
Butler is the second-best shooting guard in the NBA (behind Harden) according to a player rating measurement. The measurement is based on a player’s offensive and defensive contributions on the floor. With Harden playing in the Western Conference, that easily makes Butler the best shooting guard in the Eastern Conference. Yes, Jimmy Butler is better than Dwyane Wade right now.
Butler has established himself as a defensive mastermind early in his career, and improved his offensive game astronomically during the offseason. Butler averaged only 13 points per game on a Bulls offense that was the worst in the league last season. He has become a key piece in the newly-formed offensive juggernaut for Chicago. Butler is also more aggressive and confident on offense, averaging 22 points per game. He can do it all.
Butler has emerged from a bench player to one of the best players in the NBA, and if he maintains his current level of play for the rest of the season, he deserves to win the NBA MVP award.
Dan Marmaduke is a Chicago Cubs, NFL, and NBA writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarmadukeSports and add him to your network on Google.
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