The Rise of Jimmy

Before the 2015-2016 NBA offseason, the biggest question the Bulls had was who’s team is it. Was it Derrick Rose’s team? He was the man that lead us to being the number one seed in the East two seasons in a row, winning a MVP along the way. But then injuries occurred and he was a shell of the player he used to be, and people were starting to accept that he will never be the player he once was. He could be good but never again great.

Or was it Jimmy Butler’s team? Drafted as the last pick in the first round, Jimmy was supposed to be a role player at best. Someone who could come in and play great defense. Maybe he would develop a jumper along the way too. Instead Butler got better every year, and the year before he jumped to a star level, by dropping 20 a game, and locking down other team’s best players on defense.

This was the drama that continued all season for the Chicago Bulls. Jimmy clearly outplayed Derrick, but many were unable to give up on the former MVP. The team’s chemistry couldn’t take it, and the second most talented team in the East didn’t make the playoffs. This was which lead to the Bulls trading away Derrick Rose to the Knicks in the summer. It was finally without a doubt Jimmy’s team.

And with the 2016-2017 season Jimmy has transitioned into a superstar. He has literally dragged this Chicago Bulls team in multiple games. He’s averaging 25 points a game. He put up 52 against the hornets. With a team where Rajon Rondo can’t even start, Robin Lopez seems to be on the court just to help us lose, and D Wade is the only other bright side, Jimmy is the only thing keeping these Bulls alive.