News: Bulls guard Jimmy Butler continued to carry a huge load in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, but his effort was not enough as the Bulls' season came to a close in a 94-91 loss. Butler scored 19 points on 7 of 15 shooting, with five rebounds, four assists and two steals in the game, while playing all 48 minutes for the fourth time in the last six games. Butler finished the postseason averaged 13.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Analysis: After failing to make much of an impact as a rookie, Butler burst onto the season this season, earning a starting spot on a playoff team. Butler averaged 8.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game for the season, but put up big numbers once he became a starter. Butler averaged 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in 20 games in the starting lineup. The Bulls seem intent on relying on him for huge minutes moving forward, so it looks like he should be more consistently relevant in Fantasy circles next season. Plan on targeting him in the mid-to-late rounds on Draft Day.
News: Bulls guard Jimmy Butler played a huge role in Tuesday's game against the Raptors, as Luol Deng was forced to sit with an injury. Butler played 48 minutes in the game, his fifth game in a row playing at least 40. He scored a career-high 28 points on 10 of 12 shooting in the game, including 3 of 3 on 3-pointers. He added seven rebounds, two assists and two steals, in a 101-98 loss.
Analysis: Butler is playing simply huge minutes recently, averaging 44.2 per game over the last five. As a result, he has been able to put up 16.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. The Bulls are relying on him heavily down the stretch, as the second-year wing had proven to be a capable player. He is averaging 8.1 points per game on 46.0 percent shooting on the season, and can be worth using down the stretch in many Fantasy formats.
News: Bulls forward Jimmy Butler enjoyed a decent performance as he scored in double figures for the second consecutive game Tuesday night against the Wizards. He went 4 of 13 shooting from the field, including 2 of 6 from downtown, and 3 of 6 from the free throw line. Butler finished with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists in a 90-86 defeat. He also chipped in with two steals and a blocked shot while logging 42 minutes of game action.
Analysis: After a slow start this season, Butler is starting to come on down the stretch. He is averaging 10.6 points per game in his last 15 contests. The 23-year-old has some upside, but his current role lessens his Fantasy value. Fantasy owners should leave him for deeper formats down the final stretch of the season.
News: Bulls forward Jimmy Butler received his first start since Feb. 2 on Sunday night against the Timberwolves and made his presence felt. He scored 20 points and hauled in nine rebounds in the 104-97 win. He went 5 for 11 from the field, making both of his attempts from downtown, and converted 8 of 9 free throws. Butler, who played 44 minutes, also chipped in with three steals, two assists and a block in the victory.
Analysis: Butler scored in double figures for the third time in the last four games on Sunday. He has proven to be a productive option in Fantasy when seeing solid minutes but his current role lessens his value. While the upside is there, leave Butler for deeper Fantasy formats at this point.
News: Bulls guard Jimmy Butler scored in double figures for the second game in a row Thursday against the Blazers, as he continues to play a solid role off the bench. Butler put in 12 points in 27 minutes off the bench, shooting 4 of 7 from the field with one 3-pointer made. He filled up the box score well, with four rebounds, two assists, one steal and a block, in a 99-89 loss.
Analysis: Butler has scored in double figures in four games in the month of March, with a five-game stretch in single figures between outings. He is not consistent in his reserve role, but is still averaging 9.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He remains a viable, low-end Fantasy option down the stretch.
News: Bulls forward Jimmy Butler scored in double figures for the third time in the last six games on Sunday against the Pacers. He finished with a career-high 20 points and hauled in four rebounds in the 97-92 loss. He went 6 for 11 from the field, including 3 for 5 from downtown, and made 5 of 6 free throws. Butler also chipped in with two steals and an assist while playing 31 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Butler has made some solid progress after averaging just 2.6 points in 42 games during his rookie campaign and has seen more run of late with Richard Hamilton hurt again. He should continue to see minutes off the bench for his defensive prowess but his inconsistencies on offense hinder his appeal in Fantasy. Leave Butler for deeper formats at this point.
News: Bulls guard Jimmy Butler’s slide continued Thursday against the Heat, as he was held scoreless in 21 minutes of action. Butler attempted just three shots in the game, missing all three, while adding little else to the box score. He finished with three rebounds, one block and one turnover, in a 86-67 loss. Butler has been held scoreless in two of his last five games.
Analysis: Butler is shooting just 35.7 percent over the last five games averaging just 5.8 points per game in 21.0 minutes per game. Butler had a solid stretch of play earlier in the season and looked to be emerging as a young contributor for the Bulls, but his play has proven to be difficult to sustain. He is averaging 8.4 points per game in the month of February, after putting up 9.9 in January. At this point, Butler should be consider a very unreliable Fantasy option moving forward.
News: After being held scoreless his last time out, Bulls forward Jimmy Butler made it back into the scoring column Monday night against the Spurs. He finished with nine points on 2-of-5 shooting in the 103-89 loss. He missed his lone attempt from beyond the arc but made 5 of 6 free throws while playing 21 minutes off the bench. Butler also posted two rebounds in the defeat.
Analysis: Butler became a hot addition off the waiver wire with a productive run in late January/early February but has cooled off of late. He is averaging just 8.8 points with 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals on 36 percent shooting in the previous five contests. The 23-year-old appears to have some decent upside in Fantasy but until he proves to be more consistent, leave Butler for deeper formats.
News: Bulls small forward Jimmy Butler scored in double figures for the 10th time in the last 11 games on Monday night against the Pacers. He finished with 10 points in 29 minutes off the bench in the 111-101 loss. He went 3 for 8 from the field, missing his lone attempt from downtown, but made all four of his free throws. Butler also posted three rebounds and three steals in the defeat.
Analysis: Butler has stepped up for the Bulls since mid-January and has seen his role increase as a result. He is averaging 15 points with 6.2 rebounds and two steals in the previous five contests on nearly 52 percent shooting. The 23-year-old should continue to see minutes off the bench based on his production and defensive prowess so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Butler can be helping out owners in deeper Fantasy formats at this point.
News: Bulls forward Jimmy Butler scored in double figures for the seventh time in the last eight games on Wednesday night against the Bucks. He finished with 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting in the 104-88 win. He went 1 for 2 from beyond the arc and made 1 of 2 free throws while playing 27 minutes off the bench. Butler also posted six rebounds and two steals in the victory. "He's a big lift," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "He can guard, he can score and play multiple positions and make hustle plays. He's doing a lot for us. He's a big part of this team."
Analysis: Butler played very well while Luol Deng was injured and has continued his solid play coming off the bench. He is averaging 16 points with 7.8 rebounds in the previous five contests on 56 percent shooting and has been playing some big minutes for the Bulls. Along with play small forward, the 23-year-old has also been seeing time at two-guard so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Butler could be helping out owners in deeper Fantasy formats so consider adding him in those leagues.
News: Bulls forward Jimmy Butler moved back to the bench with the return of Luol Deng on Monday night against the Bobcats. He continued his recent run of solid play, however, as he led Chicago with a career-high 19 points in the 93-85 win. He was an efficient 7 of 10 from the field, missing his lone attempt from downtown, and went 5 for 7 from the charity stripe. Butler also chipped in with six rebounds, two assists and a block while playing 31 minutes. "Jimmy is playing great for us right now. We need that. He just has to keep growing and get better. He plays so hard. He's been patient and he's been working hard on his game," Deng said. "I'm just so happy for him that because it takes time to understand the NBA game. There are still a lot of areas he can get better at but what he's shown so far is just his hard work and he's going to keep getting better."
Analysis: Butler averaged 14.2 points with 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals in the five games he started in place of Deng and had another productive performance Monday. After not playing much during his rookie campaign, the 23-year-old is proving to be a useful option for coach Tom Thibodeau and should continue to see minutes off the bench, especially as Deng eases his way back into the lineup. Keep an eye on the situation going forward and keep Butler active in deeper Fantasy formats while he's playing well.
News: Chicago forward Jimmy Butler earned another start and turned in another productive performance as he notched his first double-double of the season Friday night against Golden State. Butler went 6 of 10 shooting from the field, including 0 of 1 from downtown, but a perfect 4 of 4 from the free throw line. He finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds in a 103-87 victory. He also chipped in with two assists and a blocked shot while logging 44 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Butler continues to string some solid performances in place of Luol Deng as of late, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Deng's injury does not appear to be major, but the Bulls may want to take a cautious approach, especially since Butler has averaged 15.0 points and 8.2 rebounds over his last five games. Keep an eye on Deng's status going forward to see how much run Butler will continue to see. The 23-year-old would be worth adding in deeper Fantasy formats if he continues to produce like this.
News: Bulls forward Jimmy Butler was able to match his career high in scoring for the second time in the last three games on Wednesday against the Pistons. Making his third straight start for the injured Luol Deng (hamstring), he finished with a team-high 18 points and hauled in nine rebounds in the 85-82 win. He went 6 for 14 from the floor, including 1 for 4 from downtown, and made 5 of 6 free throws. Butler also chipped in with four assists, a steal and a block while playing 46 minutes in the victory.
Analysis: Butler has done a solid job of stepping up for Deng in the last few games and is starting to make some noise in Fantasy as well. He is averaging 14.7 points with 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals in the previous four contests. Keep an eye on Deng's status going forward to see how much run Butler will continue to see. The 23-year-old would be worth adding in deeper Fantasy formats if he continues to produce like this.
News: Bulls forward Jimmy Butler made his second straight start in place of the injured Luol Deng (hamstring) on Monday night against the Lakers. He scored 10 points and hauled in eight rebounds in the 95-83 win. He went 4 for 10 from the field, missing his lone attempt from downtown, and made both of his free throws. Butler posted four assists and a steal while playing 43 minutes in the victory. Butler also drew the tough defensive assignment in Kobe Bryant but was able to limit him to 16 points on 7-of-22 shooting.
Analysis: Butler scored a career-high 18 points his last time out and followed it up with another productive performance Monday. He is averaging 10.3 points with 4.2 rebounds in the previous six games while shooting 48 percent (20 for 41) during that stretch. The 23-year-old will return to his bench role once Deng is healthy again so keep an eye on his status going forward. Butler would have more appeal in Fantasy as a starter but continue to leave him for the deepest of formats at this point.
News: Bulls small forward Jimmy Butler saw his most playing time since December on Friday night against the Celtics. With Luol Deng leaving in the second half due to a hamstring injury, he played 25 minutes off the bench and matched his career high with 13 points. Butler was an efficient 4 of 5 from the field, including 1 for 2 from downtown, and made all four of his free throws. He also posted four rebounds in the 100-99 overtime win.
Analysis: After not playing much during his rookie campaign, Butler has seen a larger role this season. He is averaging 6.8 points with 2.4 rebounds in the previous five games but his role continues to fluctuate in Chicago. Since he mainly sees playing time for his defensive prowess, continue to ignore the 23-year-old in all but the deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Tuesday that Marco Belinelli will take over the starting spot at shooting guard while Richard Hamilton is out with an injury, the Chicago Tribune reports. Thibodeau was deciding between Belinelli and Jimmy Butler to fill the void left by Hamilton, who could be sidelined at least two weeks with a torn plantar fascia tissue in his left foot. Butler is averaging 5.4 points per game this season.
Analysis: Thibodeau said he considered several factors in his decision, primarily Butler's effectiveness in a tandem with Taj Gibson. Butler, in his second season out of Marquette, also has not started a game in his career, while Belinelli has earned 148 career starts. It's still possible Butler could be rotated in if Belinelli continues to struggle from the field, but both players are still viewed as low-end option in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: With Bulls forward Richard Hamilton slated to miss 3-6 weeks of action with a torn plantar fascia in his left foot, Chicago needs to find a suitable replacement. The Bulls are expected to turn to either Jimmy Butler or Marco Belinelli, reports the Daily Herald Monday. “I feel good about that position,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Marco has started a lot of games before. Jimmy has played terrific all season long and we have some flexibility, too. Kirk (Hinrich) can go to the two (guard). We’ll be fine.”
Analysis: Butler is in his second season out of Marquette and could begin seeing a lot more minutes going forward. He's averaging just under 16 per game on the year and that has equaled 5.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. He can hit the 3-pointer, but we still believe the position will be a bit of a hodgepodge of guys going forward. Butler should only gain relevant Fantasy value in the deepest of leagues.
News: Bulls forward Jimmy Butler continues to struggle to find the floor, as he played just nine minutes in an overtime win over the Suns Wednesday. Butler was effective in his brief time on the floor, shooting 3 for 3 from the floor for six points, while adding two steals and a rebound in a 112-106 win.
Analysis: With the Bulls seemingly significantly less deep this season, the though was that Butler was due for a minutes increase. He is up from the 8.5 per game he saw a year ago as a rookie, he is still averaging just 12.1 per game. Butler has been effective when given the chance, scoring 4.3 points on 64.7 percent shooting, but it is not clear if the Bulls will be giving him more run anytime soon. For now, he should remain an afterthought outside of the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: Bulls forward Jimmy Butler had an efficient night in Wednesday's season opener against the Kings. He scored four points in 11 minutes off the bench in the 93-87 win. He made his lone attempt from the floor and converted both of his free throws. Butler also posted a rebound in the victory.
Analysis: Butler did not have a huge role with the Bulls during his rookie campaign but should see more action this season. He is a long wing player that can put up low-end stats for owners so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Until he proves his worth on the court, however, continue to ignore Butler in the majority of Fantasy formats.
News: With Luol Deng and Richard Hamilton both out on Monday night against the Wizards, Bulls F Jimmy Butler saw the most extended playing time of his young career. He finished with two points in a season-high 13 minutes during the 98-88 win. He went 1 for 3 from the floor and also chipped in with two rebounds and a steal.
Analysis: Butler, a rookie out of Marquette, has not see a ton of minutes off the bench so far this season but he could continue to be pressed into action of Hamilton and Deng don't return soon. Keep an eye on the situation going forward. But since he has a long way to go before becoming a viable option in Fantasy, continue to ignore Butler in all formats at this point.
News: Bulls rookie Jimmy Butler saw his most extensive action of the season on Saturday, playing 11 minutes in the Bulls 109-94 loss to the Hawks. The forward out of Marquette shot perfectly in the game, making three-of-three shots from the field and all six of his free-throw attempts while coming off the bench. The rookie also grabbed three rebounds.
Analysis: Butler’s previous high in minutes was six, so he got a good amount of playing time as the Bulls were down big for most of the game. However, he is not known for his offense despite the efficient night, and should not be on the roster of any Fantasy team at this point.
News: Chicago signed it's No. 30 pick in this year's NBA Draft -- Jimmy Butler. The Marquette product said he prides himself on defense and will likely back up Luol Deng.
Analysis: Butler became just the 19th player at MU with 1,000 points (1,277) and 500 rebounds (579). It seems like he'll have to fight for time on the court, but still will be used for his defensive skills over his offensive abilities. Keep an eye on what role he'll play in 2011-12, but he's not worth drafting in the majority of standard leagues. In dynasty/keeper leagues and rookie-only formats he should only be selected with a late-round pick.
News: The Sports Xchange reports the Bulls weren't expecting to get any superstars when they entered draft night with the No. 28, 30 and 43 picks. So they followed last year's successful formula of focusing on defense. They used the No. 30 pick to select 6-foot-8 Marquette forward Jimmy Butler, who wasted no time telling reporters that he's all about defense. "Defense is a big thing for me," he said. "I really take pride in my defense. I take it personal when somebody scores on me. I know you can't shut guys down every night, but you can give it your best effort and that's what I'm going to do on both ends of the floor in every game." Against Miami in the Eastern Conference final, the Bulls could have used someone besides guard Derrick Rose to hit a clutch basket. But they also needed someone to help Luol Deng guard Heat star LeBron James. That's one way Butler might be able to help.
Analysis: It sounds like Butler isn't expected to do much scoring for the Bulls, but he can still be productive based on his career at Marquette. He became the 42nd player in school history to score at least 1,000 points. He also became just the 19th player at MU with 1,000 points (1,277) and 500 rebounds (579), while his 461 successful free throws placed third in school annals. Keep an eye on what role he'll play in 2011-12, but he's not worth drafting in the majority of standard leagues. In dynasty/keeper leagues and rookie-only formats he should only be selected with a late-round pick.
