5 defensive stoppers the Chicago Bulls wish they still had
player. 110. Pick Analysis. Small Forward. 1. Career Defensive Win Shares: 22.0. Jimmy Butler. Scouting Report
One of the best defensive players to ever play for the Chicago Bulls over an extended period of time is star small forward for the Miami Heat Jimmy Butler. Widely considered to be one of the top two-way wings in the NBA today, Butler was one of the most sought after free agents during the offseason.
So far this season, it looks as if “Jimmy Buckets” could be taking the Heat to new heights as a potential top five seed in the East heading into the playoffs. Could he be an MVP contender too?
The controversial ending to Butler’s stint in the Windy City, before he was traded to the Timberwolves back in 2017, was met with mixed reactions. It was a similar narrative to the end of the tenure of former superstar point guard Derrick Rose with the Bulls.
It just looks like John Paxson and Gar Forman don’t have the greatest feel for separating with superstar players.
However, Butler has already posted a defensive box plus/minus rating of 3.1 in less than 10 outings with the Heat this season. He also has 0.4 defensive win shares. That number should skyrocket before the end of the regular season too.
Next. 10 players to watch during the 2019-20 college basketball season. dark
Butler is averaging an insane four steals and one block per 100 possessions this season in a Heat uniform. But he was huge on the defensive end for the Bulls in his six seasons in the Windy City too. He registered a career defensive box plus/minus rating of 1.1 with the Bulls and 17.3 of his career 22.0 defensive win shares.