Jimmy Butler’s 3rd season vs NY Knicks’ RJ Barrett’s 2nd season
Seeing how Tom Thibodeau is notorious for not playing his young players, the fact that it took until year 3 for Jimmy Butler to get out of Thibs’ doghouse while RJ Barrett is averaging 35 minutes per night in year 2 speaks volumes.
Butler really didn’t get his shot to show what he was about until year 3 as I mentioned and he really made the most of his opportunity.
After averaging just 8.6 points per game, Jimmy really blew it up in year 3 to the tune of 13 points, 3 assists, and 5 rebounds per game.
His shooting efficiencies weren’t the best, shooting under 40% from the field and 28% from 3-point range, but he was one of Thibs’ go-to guys.
He averaged nearly 39 minutes per contest and was an absolute menace on the defensive side, guarding the best offensive player on the wing nightly.
Although he lost a chunk of games that season due to injuries, he really showed what he was capable of becoming one day.
Year 3 was a precursor to Jimmy’s first All-Star appearance in year 4 where he upped his averages across the board.
Butler averaged 20 points, 2 steals, 3 assists, and 6 rebounds per game.
He also increased his field goal percentage to 46% and his 3-point shooting to 38%.
Really took that big jump he needed to establish himself as a true star in the league.
Makes you think…
RJ Barrett’s numbers this season aren’t terribly too far off from Jimmy’s year 3 numbers at all.