Jimmy Butler

We knew Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler was going to be good when he was drafted in 2011, we just didn’t know he was going to be so good so fast.  

Butler joined the NBA and the Bulls two years ago, and he has made it crystal clear that he has talent and great potential.

I had the privilege to see the Bulls (27-17) beat the Charlotte Bobcats (11-33) up close last night 93-85. 

Although the team as a whole played well (Nate Robinson 15 points, Joakim Noah 13 points, 18 rebound and seven assists, and Luol Deng 12 points), it was Butler’s night to shine. Butler came out of the game with a career high 19 points and six rebounds. Because of a hamstring injury, Butler had replaced Deng for the last five games and has played consistently in Deng’s absence.

“I think it held the most when Lu came up to me and said, ‘You can do this… Step in and keep playing the way you've been playing,” Butler said. “When you hear that from an All-Star… Man, that’s real.”

Although Butler got big minutes because of Charlotte’s small match-ups (according to Coach Tom Thibodeau), it’s clear that Thibodeau appreciates Butler’s effort and athletic ability. In fact, Butler had more minutes than starters Carlos Boozer, Rip Hamilton and Kirk Hinrich last night.

It's obvious the second year Bull will just continue to get better as his pro career progresses. Go Jimmy!