onversatons Courtside
WRITTEN BY: TOM STEFANOU
THE RELENTLESS: JIMMY BUTLER
From most improved to the MVP discussion in years to come Jimmy Butler has shown that hard work trumps all with his improved game. In the 2014-2015 offseason, Jimmy Butler spent his time in the gym. He was putting up shots, lifting weights, practicing his handles, the kind of training that is typical of the NBA offseason. The only difference that these weren’t one 3 hr sessions. Butler and a few friends rented a house, deliberately not installing cable or internet, the only free time being spent playing basketball, eating and resting.
Did
it pay off?
His shooting percentages increased, his points per game went up by 7 points, and he generated more assists. Pretty much every facet of his game changed for the better, while still being known as one of the best lockdown defender as a guard. Duels against LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George and James Harden were televised and fans eagerly awaiting every possession from his opponent as well as seeing his new offensive prowess against tough defense.
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His hard work was not to be unnoticed as he received the Most Improved Player award in the 2014-2015 season, and also becoming an NBA AllStar. A hard fought series win in the postseason against the Milwaukee Bucks showed his play could remain consistent from the regular season into playoffs. However, Jimmy and the Chicago Bulls were humbled by a strong, determined and deep Cleveland Cavaliers and the best player in basketball LeBron James. There was no talk about an internet-less and cable free offseason, but this season has already shown yet another improvement from Butler. Questions were asked about his leadership within the team, taking the reins from former MVP Derrick Rose. With comments about new coach Fred Hoiberg needing to “coach us harder”, he was met with claims of arrogance and selfishness.
This season has had it all for Butler, with clutch shots and blocks, a new system with him as a first scoring option, and 5 days ago scoring a career high 53 points, close to single handedly carrying the team in an OT win, while previously beating Michael Jordan’s record of 40 points in a half. To beat a Jordan record itself warrants stardom in this league. While the Bulls are slowly adjusting to the “Hoiball” offense and the new players, they have shown that through the adversity of a playoff loss and a new coach and system that they still are one of the top contenders of the East and Jimmy Butler has played a key part in this success.
This two-way player has only shown a consistent, efficient and always improving game that will be valuable to his team and to the future players who idolise him. Butler won’t rest. He won’t stop, until he holds the Holy Thankfully, things did patch up and Grail, the NBA Championship and a while there was no denial of Rose’s legacy of one of the greatest guards leadership, Butler became the new in the league. star and leader of the team but with not too much detriment to Rose.