Taking a Look at the Eastern Conference’s Five Best Players

Apr 25, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) drives downcourt past Milwaukee Bucks guard

(22) in the first quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Butler

Usually I would hate having to put a Chicago Bull on a list like this. Their rivalry with the Bucks is becoming less one-sided and more important now, and I generally wish for them to fail when they try to win basketball games. That being said, Jimmy Butler is very likable and I really respect him.

This man grinds like no other. Butler spent some of his teenage years homeless, before getting himself into Marquette University and then being drafted 30th overall by the Bulls. Nobody figured Butler would be this good just a few years later, but he is.

Apr 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) shoots during the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

His numbers from this past season really showcase how special of a player he is. Butler managed 20 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting an outstanding 46.2 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three-point territory.

He did all that, mind you, while leading the Bulls to 50 wins. He’s now the unquestioned leader and best player on that team now. Derrick Rose might come back and play some good basketball this season, but Jimmy Butler is Chicago’s new crown jewel.

He’ll never be the best shooting guard to play in Chicago, but he’s still damn good and the best guard in the East. Going up against the Bulls is never easy for the Bucks, but Butler makes it that much harder for Milwaukee to emerge victorious.

Next: A Controversial Choice For Third Best