Jan 30, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dunks during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

After barely being able to get off the bench last season — and struggling with consistency when he did play — Butler has established himself as an excellent defender, elite offensive rebounder and above-average scorer, despite lacking the traditional hallmarks of a scorer.

While it’s probably premature to anoint him the Bulls’ shooting guard of the future, or start speculating about whether the front office would be willing to see Deng walk when his contract is up in 2014 because Jimmy is waiting in the wings, Butler’s emergence means that even as the Bulls trade Rip Hamilton — which will definitely happen before the trade deadline — they won’t be left without options at the two.

Butler provided one of the highlights of the Bulls 104-88 win over the Milwaukee Bucks last night when he threw down a dunk off a lob from Deng — watch his face as he hangs from the rim, he just looks bored with it all — and finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals on 8/12 shooting. Rip Hamilton, meanwhile, had 10 points and 3 assists on 4/11 from the field.

I’ll just leave it at that.

In this intra-conference match up, the Bucks currently have the series lead at 2-1, something that hasn’t happened for like, a bajillion years. Some of this phenomenon can be answered by the fact that the Bucks have improved a great deal. And then there is that whole thing where Derrick Rose hasn’t played in any games this season.

Jan 9, 2013; Rosemont, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls small forward Luol Deng (9) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) during the second half at the United Center. The Bucks beat the Bulls 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Considering that the Bucks are already down 2.5 games to the Bulls, it would be ideal if Chicago played with a sense of urgency, further cementing their Central Division dominance.

Ironically, while the Bulls have lost their last two match-ups against the Milwaukee Bucks, both at home, they’ve won six straight games against them at the Bradley Center. It’d be nice if Chicago would play with the same energy in its own stomping grounds, but at the same time it’s hard to complain about their superiority on the road.

The biggest story for the Bulls, aside from the impending return of Derrick Rose, has been the emergence of Jimmy Butler. For him, a game in Milwaukee means a return to his former stomping grounds. The Marquette product, seemingly inspired by former college teammate Wesley Matthews has broken out in the past month and looks like he might be the Bulls future shooting guard. Of course, time will tell how good Jimmy Butler can be, but he hasn’t been showing many signs of slowing down. Watch for head coach Tom Thibodeau to pair him up against the Bucks leading scorers, Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis.

Chicago’s second trip to the Bradley center will mark the beginning of a six-game winning stre— er, I mean road trip.

Location: BMO Harris Bradley Center

Time: 7:00pm CST/8:00pm EST

TV: CSN-Chicago

Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Radio: WMVP-AM 1000

Injury Report/Inactives: 

Key to the game: Score more points than the opponent. Teehee.

Prediction:  Bulls 95, Bucks 89