Jimmy Butler - Lockdown 15/16

Jimmy Butler has been underrated and overlooked for most of his life, but one thing that has become undeniable is that he’s a force in this league, especially on the defensive end. Picked 30th in the 2011 draft, Butler has gone on to become a 2x NBA All-Star, a 3x All-Defense second teamer, 2015’s NBA Most Improved Player, and an Olympic gold medalist. His ability to stand up powerful post-up players, coupled with the quickness to stick with the shiftiest wings, and the instincts and IQ to know when to stay down and when to jump to contest, make him a dynamite defender.

Jimmy is tough, no question about it. What I love about Jimmy on defense is his ability to dislodge the basketball. You’ll see over and over again him swiping the ball clean even when there seems to be no angle to do so. Gambling in the passing lanes isn’t necessarily something I’d advise players to do, but like the ball hawking, swiping, and shot blocking, Butler has got a knack for timing things perfectly. He wears opponents down with his unrelenting aggressiveness on the defensive end, but take the time to notice how smart he is too. He’ll stunt at his man just as well as he retreats so he can time the block properly. It’s a wonder to watch and a joy to behold.

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