Buckets: The Rise of Jimmy Butler

Sean Taylor

November 20, 2015

Chicago Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler helped the Bulls to a win Wednesday night over the Phoenix Suns, with a season high 32 points and ferocious defense on the Suns talented back court. Butler has become an integral part of the Bulls’ roster; their best defender and go-to scoring option alongside Derrick Rose.

Affectionately known as “Jimmy G. Buckets, the G stands for get, folks”; a moniker given to him by the Bulls colorful TV commentator and former NBA champion Stacey King, Butler  has established himself as one of the best two-way players in the league. A late first round pick out of Marquette, Butler barely cracked the Bulls rotation in his rookie season. Over the course of his tenure with the Bulls, Butler earned playing time and eventually a starting role. He enjoyed a breakout year last year, posting career high 20 points per game (as well as career highs in assists and rebounds per game) en route to the 2014-2015 Most Improved Player award.

Butler’s defense is a thing of beauty. At 6’7”, 220, Butler is uniquely able to guard small forwards and on occasion power forwards, while still having the quickness and foot speed to guard point guards and shooting guards. A disciple of former Bulls’ head coach Tom Thibodeau defensive schemes, Butler stays in front of his man particularly well, exerting an effort level on the defensive end usually only seen out of defensive specialists. He stands his ground well in the post and can direct opposing drivers towards help with ease. Because of this, he rarely gambles or gets caught out of position. That being said, he has a knack for shooting the passing lanes, particularly on passes back to the point that are often not as crisp as those going towards the wing, which he quickly converts into dunks.

Butler also holds frequent block parties.

But it is the major step forward in his offensive game that has made Jimmy Butler a rising star in the NBA. With an inconsistent jumper and limited handling ability of the ball upon breaking into the league, Butler’s offense consisted mainly of transition layups and dunks, backdoor cuts, and other situations where he could take advantage of his natural athleticism.

But his offensive game has evolved, showing a vastly improved jump shot, legitimate three-point range, point guard-like handles, and an impressive ability to finish at the rim. Butler absorbs contact well, ruthlessly takes advantage of his size by regularly posting up smaller defenders, and consistently gets to the free throw line where he is a respectable 80% shooter. This uptick in offensive skill has only led to more opportunities  like this one:

Add in the fact that Butler plays well over 35 minutes a night and it becomes apparent that Jimmy Butler will be a force to be reckoned with in the East for years to come. After betting on himself and earning a 5-year, $95 million dollar deal, Butler is once again performing well, averaging over 20 points a game. Despite unsubstantiated but stubborn reports of a rift between Butler and star point guard Derrick Rose, the two have performed well on-court together, and if Rose can stay healthy, the two should form a formidable back court tandem that will compliment Chicago’s interior depth.