Oct 11, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) reacts after dunking a basket in the second quarter during pre-season game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
In terms of determining whether or not Butler’s current workload is sustainable, the best player for comparison is Luol Deng. Both players served similar roles in Chicago: relied upon two-way players that were expected to guard the oppositions best wing player on a nightly basis.
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Deng played for Coach Tom Thibodeau for 3.5 years from 2010-2014 before he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers before the trade deadline of that final season. During his time playing for Thibodeau he averaged 38 minutes per game and led the NBA in minutes per game during the regular season twice during this span.
During the regular season, Luol Deng excelled, establishing himself as the Bull’s second scoring option and their best perimeter defender. However, when the playoffs rolled around, the offensive numbers dropped significantly. In two of the three years when he participated in the playoffs his shooting percentage dropped significantly, including a career worst .381(regular season and playoffs) during the 2012-2013 playoffs.
In addition, his point per game totals also dropped down significantly during all three of the playoffs he participated in with Tom Thibodeau at the helm.