Could Jimmy Butler Become the Next Chicago Bulls Great?
When his career comes to an end, could Jimmy Butler be remembered as a Chicago Bulls legend? You would've laughed at that question a few months ago, but now it doesn't seem so hilarious.
The fourth-year guard is having a sensational season, simply running away with the Most Improved Player award. He's averaging 20.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 46.1 percent from the field.
And he has been extremely aggressive, attempting 7.4 free throws a night (fifth best in the league).
This season, Butler has scored at least 25 points on 13 occasions. He reached the mark just twice during his first three years combined.
We already knew Jimmy Buckets was an elite defender, but we had no idea he would transform into one of the game's top two-way players. He'll make his first trip to the All-Star Game this year, which is an honor he rightfully deserves.
In order to become the next Bulls great, though, Butler has a long way to go. And he'll also have to land a long-term contract with the team.
Per USA Today's Sam Amick, he doesn't hold resentment for not getting a deal done and wants to remain in Chicago:
"Nah, nah. I love the city of Chicago. I think everybody knows that. I just feel like I've just got to help win games, man. I want a championship. The money has never been an issue because I'm from Tomball. The money I make now is more than nothing. I just wanted to prove to my teammates, to my coaches, to the city, that I'm here to stay.
"
While several teams will show interest in Butler, Chicago has the right to match any offer he receives. It's a forgone conclusion that the Bulls will re-sign the Texas native. They won't allow a 25-year-old All-Star who can contribute on both sides of the floor to walk away.
If Butler does turn out to be a Bulls great, what are some of the names he'll join on the list?
Spotlighting Legends
A slew of talented players have sported Bulls red and black over the years.
Of course, you can't mention the team's past without the name Michael Jordan. Not only is he the greatest Bull of all time, but he's also widely considered the best player to ever step foot on a basketball court.
During his 13 seasons in Chicago, Jordan accomplished basically everything there was to accomplish.
His Airness was named an All-Star 12 times, won six NBA Finals MVPs, five regular-season MVPs and 10 scoring titles and even took home Defensive Player of the Year honors, which is rare for a guard. And those are only some of his accomplishments.
More importantly, he amazingly led the Bulls to six championships during the 1990s.
Scottie Pippen, Jordan's right-hand man, was there for each of those title runs. The Hall of Fame small forward is known as one of the top defenders and all-around players the NBA world has ever seen.
Pippen could score, play lockdown defense and rebound, and he served as the perfect point forward due to his passing ability.
Other than Jordan and Pippen, Jerry Sloan and Bob Love are the only two players who have their numbers retired by the team.
Before his successful coaching career with the Utah Jazz, Sloan was a tough, defensive-minded guard for the Bulls during the '60s and '70s. He owns the nickname "The Original Bull," since he was the first player selected by the team in the expansion draft.
Love could flat-out put the ball in the hoop. The three-time All-Star averaged at least 21 points per game for six straight seasons. He is currently third on the Bulls all-time scoring list with 12,623 points.
Other legends include Norm Van Lier, Chet Walker, Artis Gilmore and Reggie Theus.
Way Too Early for Any "Next Bulls Great" Talk?
What a ride it has been for Butler. When the Bulls drafted him 30th overall in 2011, he wasn't expected to be more than a decent role player off the bench. Yet, he has exceeded expectations and blossomed into a bona fide star.
However, it's too early to label Butler the next Bulls great. Again, he has a long way to go before that could happen. This is his first All-Star campaign, and who's to say that it isn't his last?
To be considered a Chicago legend, Butler needs to play several more years with the team and pick up a few more All-Star selections along the way.
He doesn't have to win a ring, as guys like Sloan and Love never did. But it would certainly help his case.
No one knows exactly what type of career Butler will end up having. One thing's for sure, though: This kid can play.
All stats are from Basketball-Reference.com and accurate as of February 14.
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