NBA: Top 10 Early Season MVP Candidates

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7. Jimmy Butler

Stats: 22 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists

Making the case: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player improve over the summer like Jimmy Butler has. There’s a difference between projected stars improving and role players improving.

As once a role player for the Chicago Bulls, Jimmy Butler has exceeded expectations as he’s blossomed into an NBA star. Averaging 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 40 minutes per game this guy is a machine. The way he’s been producing, Chicago can afford to rest Derrick Rose!

Next: Stephen Curry