7. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Stats: 22.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 21.76 PER
The Chicago Bulls, despite all the rumors of problems in their locker room, are currently the second seed in the Eastern Conference, 2.5 games back of the conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. They’re currently on a five-game winning streak and have won six of their last seven games. They’re as hot as it gets right now in the NBA.
Jimmy Butler is now beginning to separate himself as the best player on this team – if any even thought that title still belonged to Derrick Rose, no. Butler is also a menace on both ends of the floor, much like Kawhi Leonard is in San Antonio. He’s on the same level, too.
Butler isn’t the flashiest of names, but he should get some MVP votes if the Bulls finish with a top three record in the Eastern Conference.
Next: PG 13