9. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Stats: 19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 20.1 PER
Nearly all of Jimmy Butler’s statistics are down from last season. And a big part of that happens to be Derrick Rose is healthy (I’m not counting his tweaked ankle) and consistently available. However, the work that Butler does on both ends of the floor can’t go unnoticed.
Butler is the unquestioned leader of a Chicago Bulls team that is 7-3 and quite possibly the second-best team, behind the Cavaliers, in the Eastern Conference. They, along with the Hawks, will probably have the best shot at beating LeBron James in the playoffs.
Why?
Because they have someone that can matchup with LeBron.
If the Bulls can win 50-plus games this season, expect Jimmy Butler to get at least some love – or the thought of it – when it comes time for the NBA MVP voting.