There have been many lists of top NBA players posted throughout the off-season. These lists are sometimes not the most accurate, but they do provide an insight into what mainstream NBA media thinks of certain players. Jimmy Butler remains one of the most divisive players among NBA media figures. Let’s dive deeper and explore whether or not Jimmy is a top 10 NBA player.
Is Jimmy Butler a Top 10 NBA Player on Offense?
Jimmy Butler has averaged at least 20 points per game in most seasons since the 2014-15 season. This is impressive, given how his role has changed as he has moved from team to team during this period. It is also worth noting that Jimmy Butler was selected with the 30th pick back in 2011.
Additionally, Jimmy Butler has averaged at least 4 assists per game in every season since the 2014-15 season. He even averaged 7 assists per game in the 2020-21 season with the Miami Heat. These stats reflect that Jimmy Butler has been one of the better playmakers at his position for some time. However, they also do not reflect the entirety of Jimmy Butler’s impact on offense.
Jimmy Butler remains one of the best players in the league at attacking the basket and drawing fouls. He does so with a combination of finesse and strength. Additionally, Butler has made at least 83% of his free throws since joining the Miami Heat in 2019. This means that teams cannot simply foul Butler without consequences. However, I think Jimmy isn’t quite a top 10 NBA player on offense during the regular season.
Jimmy Butler’s Defense
In contrast, I would say Jimmy Butler is one of the 10 best defensive players in the NBA in the regular season. Jimmy is excellent at reading passing lanes and getting steals. He can defend quicker players on the perimeter and contain stronger players inside the paint.
Jimmy has averaged at least two steals in multiple seasons throughout his career. This reflects his considerable impact on defense. Butler’s defense helped the Timberwolves reach the playoffs in the 2017-18 season. Butler also communicates well on defense, which improves the entire team defense, too.
Jimmy Butler Is A Top 10 NBA Player in the Playoffs
Jimmy, like the majority of NBA stars, steps up his game in the playoffs. He averaged 27 points per game in the 2022 playoffs and helped the Heat reach game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He put up 47 points in a must-win game 6 in Boston. Butler is undoubtedly a top 10 NBA player when the playoffs arrive. It would make sense to bet on him being the Heat’s leading scorer next season. Check back in next week for more Miami Heat content.