10. G/F Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Jimmy Butler’s received recognition this season in large part because of his improved offensive play. But he entered the NBA as one of the league’s finest defensive wing players.
Much like the Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard, Butler is such a force defensively in large measure to a variety of physical gifts—he has great length, wingspan and agility and quickness. But, again like Leonard, it is his mental understanding of what offenses are trying to do that separates him and makes him one of the best defenders in basketball.
Just check out this play against Phoenix in February where Butler uses all his skills to destroy a Suns fastbreak attempt. That is but one example of many where the fourth-year wing has made an offensive players look absolutely silly.
Strangely, Butler’s defensive efficiency numbers are not spectacular, but he averages a solid 1.7 steals per game and 2.3 per 100 possessions. Additionally, he’s contributed 2.4 defensive win shares this season, which is pretty high given his absence.
It’s a pretty fair assessment to recognize that he’s still one of the best defenders in the game.
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