Fansided

NBA Player Rankings: James Harden takes the lead

By Bryce Olin

Jan 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket during the first quarter as Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket during the first quarter as Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 29, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) shoots a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 29, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) shoots a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Jimmy Butler

20.4 PPG, 3.2 APG, 6.0 RPG, 21.3 PER

Before tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, I had Derrick Rose in this spot, but then I realized the huge mistake I was making! Butler is the All-Star on the Chicago Bulls, not Rose.

Jimmy Butler has been head-and-shoulders better than Derrick Rose, although Butler has struggled to find his shot lately, or at least until he played the Lakers.

On Thursday night, Butler tied his career-high of 35 points on 17 shots and made 16-of-18 free throw attempts.

I know it’s against the Lakers, but Butler’s having a great season and is also playing his way into a max contract this summer. I’ve got to give credit where credit is due.

Butler only scored five points in 43 minutes against the Miami Heat on Sunday, which was one of his more disappointing outings of the season. Butler missed Tuesday’s win over the Golden State Warriors with an illness, but then exploded for 35 points in 49 minutes in the loss to the Lakers.

Next: Carmelo

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