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Chicago Bulls: 5 Best NBA Draft classes of the GarPax Era

By Garrett Brooks

Ben Gordon, and Loul Deng. #9 of the Chicago Bulls combined for 61 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 14, 2008 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bulls defeated the Bucks 151-135. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agreees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Ben Gordon, and Loul Deng. #9 of the Chicago Bulls combined for 61 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 14, 2008 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bulls defeated the Bucks 151-135. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agreees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls Best Draft Classes of the GarPax Era: 2011 NBA Draft

The history books will technically say Nikola Mirotic was drafted into the league by the Houston Rockets, which is fine. He technically was.

A draft-night trade led him to the Bulls, though. These kinds of situations have to be counted as part of the draft class in order to accurately evaluate the talent GarPax acquired in said draft.

While Mirotic has since returned overseas to continue his playing career he did not do so because he had to. It was a personal decision and he has found success since going back. He proved without a doubt to be an NBA-caliber player before he left the NBA, though.

Shortly after Mirotic was selected, the Bulls were back on the clock and selected Jimmy Butler out of Marquette with the final pick of the first round. We now know what a steal that selection was considering 29 players were chosen before Butler heard his name called.

Things did not work out long term in Chicago but Butler was at least able to help the organization acquire Zach LaVine on his way out. Butler’s work ethic and commitment obviously were key in his continued development early in his career.

That work ethic is still evident today as he adapts his game in whatever way he can for the betterment of his team. He should get tons of credit for the mentality he brings and work he puts in.

light. Related Story. 2021 NBA Free Agency: 3 Things the Bulls must Address

Some credit must also be given to the Bulls front office that selected him 30th overall in the draft. Not only did they bring him in, they clearly surrounded him with the tools needed to develop early in his NBA career.

Butler eventually won the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award for the 2014-15 NBA season. He has also racked up five all-star appearances, three All-NBA appearances and four All-defensive appearances in his career so far.

Forman and Paxson can only be applauded for the scouting work that was done leading up to adding Butler in 2011.

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