Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler in for a big year?
Jimmy Butler could be in for a big year
The Chicago Bulls have been an elite defensive team under head Tom Thibodeau. Luol Deng filled the role a a stopper on the wing and now that role has been given to Jimmy Butler.
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Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders believes Jimmy Butler is in for a huge season.
"Last year was a down year for Butler statistically, but life is hard without Derrick Rose, especially for a defensive-minded shooting guard playing in an offense specifically designed to work around the skillset of Rose. Butler, already one of the best defensive wings in the league, should see an offensive boost this year as Rose gets him more open looks, and as the only real two-guard in the lineup, head coach Tom Thibodeau is probably going to get him pretty close to 40 minutes per game. Those minutes plus an improved roster could mean the long-awaited Butler breakout may finally occur. The fact that he could potentially be playing for a contact (if not extended) probably won’t hurt anything, either."
Players almost always play better in a contract year but even if the Bulls work out a deal with Jimmy Butler before the October 31 deadline, expect Jimmy Butler to continue to improve and give plenty of effort.
Jimmy Butler averaged 13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 39.7% from the field, 28.3% from beyond the arc and 76.9% from the free throw line last season. He has averaged 8.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 42.5% from the floor, 30.9% from three and 78.2% from the charity stripe in his three-year NBA career.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we close in on the regular season.
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