What if the Chicago Bulls kept their own first-round picks?

2. Frontcourt

Small Forward – Jimmy Butler (Drafted 30th Overall – 2011)

A four-time All-Star, four-time All-Defense, two-time All-NBA, and 2014-15’s most improved player. Jimmy Butler’s resume is impressive enough before considering his draft position. Butler entered the league as a defensive-specialist and turned into a player that averaged 20-plus points four-straight seasons prior to last season.

He also had the weight of the third-largest market on his shoulders as he was the franchise following Rose’s departure. Butler, who embodied former-Head Coach Tom Thibodeau’s grinder-style of basketball, was traded to kick-started this rebuild. Rumors of his clashing with staff proved to be rooted in truth as the same happened with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers.

Butler found his way to South Beach this off-season and looks to be fitting right in. It is fair to say the Bulls got the better end of their Butler deal. Lauri Markkanen has the looks of a special player if he can put it all together and Zach LaVine is a scorer in the truest sense. But what Butler did, for himself and the city, is beyond admirable.

Backup – James Johnson (Drafted 16th Overall – 2009)

Perhaps in a few years, young Chandler Hutchison will be more deserving of this space. For now, though, James Johnson is a no-brainer. While he never really found his groove here, he has developed into a solid two-way player. He is currently a teammate of Butler’s in Miami. Also, his nickname is ‘Bloodsport’.