Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
7. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
After becoming an All-Star, winning Most Improved Player, and becoming a focal point of the Chicago Bulls’ offense last season, Jimmy Butler is expected to show improvement and capitalize on his spectacular season which also got him a five-year, $94 million deal.
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Last season, Butler averaged 20.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals. Each season he’s improved his game and he’ll be entering his fifth season, which is typically when players become commodities. Butler will be playing in a new system under Fred Hoiberg, and such a thing could lead to the Bulls becoming a faster team, as Joakim Noah is expected to be a reserve.
Chicago is a 55-win team, at least, when healthy. With the team expected to play at a faster pace, which means Butler’s offensive numbers will fluctuate, is an important part in winning MVP. And with players that can make shots such as Noah, Taj Gibson, Nikola Mirotic, Paul Gasol and Mike Dunleavy, Butler could do it, especially with the help of Derrick Rose.
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