NBA Draft Profiles: Jimmy Butler, Marquette

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Stats: 15.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.3 apg,

Age: 21, senior

Size:

• Listed: 6'8", 220 lb
• Official: 6'6.25" (no shoes), N/A (with shoes), 6'8" (wingspan), 8'5" (reach), 215 lb

Strengths: From a skills perspective, there isn't anything that Butler is great at. For some prospects, that is considered a weakness. Not so for Butler, especially considering the success his former teammate Wesley Matthews is having in the NBA. We'll get to his skill-set in a bit, but the most important part of what Butler brings to the table isn't necessarily going to show up on a stat-sheet. He does a lot of things well that help teams win games. He's a willing and capable defender on the perimeter, one of those guys that never lets his man get an easy look. He's a great teammate and should have no problem accepting the fact that he will be a role player in the NBA. He makes the extra pass, he rebounds the ball, he'll dive on the floor, and by all accounts he has a terrific attitude and work ethic. That is exactly what you look for in a guy that will be playing bench minutes.

Weaknesses: As we said, Butler is not great at any one skill. He's a solid three point shooter from college range, but he is going to have to spend some time in the gym to become a threat from deep in the NBA. He's a solid athlete, but he won't be making highlight reels with his above-the-rim antics. He can use his dribble to get to the rim, but he's not what you would consider a great ball-handler. Butler is well-rounded but far from awe-inspiring. Is that really a weakness?

Comparisons:

• Best Case Scenario: Maurice Evans. Very similar type build and supporting man type roles on the perimeter with their defensive play. Butler is a supporting cast player who could have Mo Evan’s type impact for a team that needs help defending the other guys 3 and making the occasional nice offensive play.


• Worst Case Scenario: Poor Man’s Wesley Matthews. Former Marquette star stunned the NBA with his defensive play and emerging offensive game that blossomed in Portland. Butler isn’t nearly the talent of Wes, but he has a similar pedigree after playing at Marquette under Buzz Williams to at remind a team of a lesser version of the breakout undrafted free agent.

Outlook: Butler is not going to be a star in the NBA. He'll be lucky if he ends up being a starter. If Butler does want to have an NBA career, its going to be as a bench player, someone that has a specifically defined role that he is expected to play when he is on the role. The good news is that Butler has the attitude to accept that kind of role. What's even better news is that Butler backed up some impressive late-season performances by winning the MVP at the Portsmouth Invitational, impressing just about everyone that saw him play. There are some things that Butler could stand to improve -- his perimeter shooting and ball handling to start -- but with the way that he plays defense and how well-regarded he is as a teammate, its not difficult to see Butler carving himself out a career.

Draft Range: Early to Mid 2nd Round

And the experts say...

• Chad Ford: "Virtually every NBA scout I spoke to had Marquette's Jimmy Butler as the clear player of the PIT. While Butler doesn't necessarily shine in any one area, he's one of those all-around players who scouts think could be in the mold of a Wes Matthews or Landry Fields. That should bode well for Butler's chances as a second-round pick."


• Draft Express: "Butler is a heady player who plays within a team concept. He defends, he makes the extra pass, he crashes the glass, he has a terrific basketball IQ, and his attitude is a coach's dream. A product of tireless reps in the gym and a detail oriented system, the senior has a very solid floor game, makes good decision with the ball, scraps on both ends, and maximizes the physical tools he does have."


• Swish Scout: "Solid defender who can make a difference in an NBA rotation with his team defense and understanding of his role. Butler is a blue-collar player who does a number of things well on offense too, but has limited upside and is just an average athlete. Had a great showing in the Big East Tournament guarding Providence star Marshon Brooks and holding him while putting up a near triple-double. Was MVP of the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in April 2011 amongst numerous invited NCAA seniors looking to be drafted, and he stood out. He’s nothing special at forward, but a very solid player on both ends of the floor."

Highlights: