Chicago Bulls starting shooting guard Jimmy Butler will reportedly be named the 2014-15 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year. He will be officially awarded this upcoming week, most likely in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers when they play in the Chicago at the United Center.
THIS JUST IN: Bulls G Jimmy Butler will be named Kia NBA Most Improved Player. (via @ESPNSteinLine) pic.twitter.com/4zE8smqqSN
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 6, 2015
Jimmy Butler & Bulls obviously have more pressing issues right now but natural spot for Butler’s MIP ceremony is before Game 3 at home FRI
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 6, 2015
Butler, the 4th year guard from Marquette, has improved in every statistical category since being drafted 30th overall in 2011. In the 2013-14 season he averaged 13.1 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 39%. This year he averaged 20 points, 5.8 rebounds and improved his shooting percentage up to 46%. He has established himself has a great offensive threat and perimeter defender for the Bulls, possibly making him the best two-way guard in the league.
The other top candidates that received consideration for the award were Miami’s Hassan Whiteside, Golden State’s Draymond Green and Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton. Butler is a restricted free agent after the season is and Chicago will do whatever they can to keep him around for a lot longer.