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Would Derrick Rose have been back to back MVP? Probably not since Lebron James is still in the league but he is getting older and Kevin Durant is on the rise. The main question is would Jimmy Butler have developed into the Jimmy Butler playing this season? His confidence is soaring through the roof since the end of last season. Playing alongside Joakim Noah and Luol Deng at the same time gave him an opportunity to show his ability as a basketball player on both sides of the court. He hustled on both ends and played on-ball defense as if he was playing for a max contract. His ability to defend was key for the team as the Chicago Bulls made the playoffs without Derrick Rose in the lineup. Jimmy Butler was a core part of head coach, Tom Thibodeau's, system.
If it wasn't for the injury of Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler wouldn't have the chance to showcase his skills. We knew his defense was there as he can defend multiple positions. Jimmy Butler played major minutes on the team and as a result, relied on him to play offense and defense. His game reminds me of Kawhi Leonard as his defense came first and his offense came later on. Now that Jimmy Butler has Derrick Rose back alongside with Joakim Noah and newly acquired Pau Gasol, there is a threat on the Chicago Bulls at every position. The absence of Derrick Rose brought Jimmy Butler's game to the next level in a short period of time.
I think you are right. And as we see, now, when Rose came back, gradually gaining his old shape and made too many shots, Butler lost his confidence a little bit versus a start off the season.
ReplyDelete100% agree. Derrick Rose is trying to be like the MVP Derrick Rose, taking a bit of Butler's game away who is having a tremendous season.
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