7. Jimmy Butler
Stats: 20.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists
The Chicago Bulls often go forgotten in the Eastern Conference. Mostly because of LeBron James and the Cavaliers, but Jimmy Butler has been the best player on a really good – and underrated – Chicago Bulls team.
Chicago might not be lighting up the scoreboard as many expected them to under Fred Hoiberg, but their defense has been top notch – and Jimmy Butler just so happens to be the team’s best defender. He’s also their best offensive player at this point. Butler is averaging a career-high 20.4 points per game, while adding five rebounds per game on 39 percent shooting from three-point range.
The Chicago Bulls are only going to go as far as Butler takes them this season. But, with the way that he’s playing right now, that could be far. Derrick Rose is still the “face” of the Chicago Bulls, and is probably the first player that casual fans associate with the team, but Jimmy Butler is easily the team’s best player. And the biggest reason why they’re going to be a tough out in the playoffs – again – this season.
Next: Russell Westbrook