Jimmy Butler has been a machine this season

Dec 19, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) drives past Memphis Grizzlies guard Quincy Pondexter (8) during the game at FedExForum. Chicago Bulls beat Memphis Grizzlies 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Butler has been a machine this season. He picked up his second straight double-double this year when the team faced off against the Toronto Raptors on Monday Night. He finished the night with 27 points and 11 rebounds. A couple nights ago he finished the game with 31 points and 10 rebounds.

He is proving to be one of the team’s best rebounders. He is the 4th best rebounder on the roster behind Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah. He ranks in as the 3rd best rebounder at the shooting guard position behind Lance Stephenson and James Harden.

On defense, he still locks people down. He finished the night against Toronto with 5 blocked shots. Tom Thibodeau has been praising his defense:

"“I think when you look at the offense now to go along with the defense, there aren’t too many players like that in the league,’’ Thibodeau said of his two guard. “He’s a power-type player, he guards everyone on the floor. You can make a case for him that’s he’s one of the top defenders in the league.’’"

Dec 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) drives against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the first quarter of a game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy has been getting a ton of attention for his performance this season. People have mentioned that he should be selected as the Most Improved Player. Many people believe that he should be an All-Star player. Now the attention is getting pointed toward the defensive player of the year.

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Jimmy is a well rounded player this season. He has been leading the team in scoring with 21.9 points per game . He also leads the team in steals per game (1.63 steals per game) and he is one of the top guards at rebounding.

Jimmy Butler has said that he doesn’t want to be a star, but he is playing at the star level.

"“I don’t want to be a star,” Butler said. “I just want to be a decent role player on a really good team.” – nba.com"

Jimmy has been an amazing role player for a good team. He has done it to the point that he is making his name known all around and he is becoming a star. He should be an All-Star.

His style of play compliments the “stars” on this team. he doesn’t require the offense to run through him in order to get his scoring opportunities. He takes what the defense is giving him and looks to get on the foul line. He is 5th in the league at getting to the line, attempting 8.2 free throws per game.

Paul Pierce recently gave Jimmy Butler a vote of confidence for the All-Star game.

"“Man, he’s playing at a super high level. If the All-Star Game started today I’d probably peg him as a starter,” said Pierce. “If it wasn’t a popularity contest, that’s how great he’s been playing.” – Comcast SportsNet"

He also added this about Jimmy G.

"“One of the best two-way players in the game,” Pierce said. “Obviously the way he’s stepped up his offense, (we’ve) got to be aware of him.”"

He sounds like an All-Star to me. Even the Raptors head coach Dwane Casey made his case on Jimmy being an All-Star.

"“I’ve been in love with him and had a man crush on him for a while now,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. “He’s a strong, physical kid. Now he’s knocking down shots, handling the ball. He has developed into an all-around All-Star-type player.”"

That talk is surrounding Jimmy. It has not stopped his performance on the court. He just keeps getting better. I don’t see how Jimmy doesn’t make it into the All-Star game.

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