Nice article on NBA.com about Jimmy and how good he did his first day in Portsmouth! Hopefully he can keep it up and we can see him get drafted! He definitely deserves it.
Link: http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/04/07/portsmouth-day1/index.html
Really nice article, glad to see Jimmy's the main focus right from the start. Play like that will get him drafted 8-)
As long as he plays this solidly and top college prospects return to school, his chances of getting drafted get better day by day!
If he does get drafted, he's Buzz's first to the NBA!
http://www.nbadraft.net/portsmouth-invitational-tournament-day-1][url]http://www.nbadraft.net/portsmouth-invitational-tournament-day-1 (http://[url)[/url]
Another Link and comments on Butler
Draftexpress.com also had him the standout:
Jimmy Butler, 6'7, Small Forward, Marquette
19 Points, 6/11 FG, 1-1 3P, 6-6 FT, 4 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Turnovers
One of the more intriguing players here in Portsmouth, Marquette forward Jimmy Butler started his week with a terrific performance. With the recent success of Marquette players in the NBA, Butler is a prospect scouts will be watching intently this week.
Putting his basketball IQ on full display, Butler showed the ability to score in a variety of ways. He knocked down a number of pull up jump shots off of one and even two dribbles along with a spot-up three pointer. He didn't force anything, either, usually taking what the defense gave him. He blended into the flow of his team's offense and made his mark on the offensive end without playing selfishly.
Butler may not have a great first step, but he is savvy enough to get separation at this level by using his defender's momentum against them, something NBA teams will look into in more detail when evaluating his future prospects.
Around the basket, he was able to get to the line using a crafty up and under move that allowed him to draw a defender into the air on more than one occasion. Not known as an elite athlete in his time playing for Buzz Williams, Butler had an impressive dunk in transition, and while he didn't stand out with his physical tools, he didn't seem at all out of place here.
Ultimately, Butler separated himself from the pack on Day One by working exceptionally hard on both ends. He showed terrific defensive intensity, as well, and he did a nice job defending the perimeter and playing tough in the lane. While Butler is not a flashy prospect by any stretch, he's an especially smart and well coached player with great intangibles and an understanding of his role.
No player stood out on day one like Ryan Thompson did last season, but Butler once again played the same highly-efficiency basketball that helped him lead Marquette to the NCAA Tournament.
From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/article/2011-Portsmouth-Invitational-Tournament-Day-One-3665/#ixzz1IuIUe475
http://www.draftexpress.com
Quote from: MUONTOP on April 07, 2011, 11:12:06 PM
http://www.nbadraft.net/portsmouth-invitational-tournament-day-1 (http://www.nbadraft.net/portsmouth-invitational-tournament-day-1)
Another Link and comments on Butler
Fixed the link
QuoteGery Woelfel
Great start for MU`s Jimmy Butler at Portsmouth: 19 pts, 4 assts in 29 minutes. A vet scout: "He played really well."
Quote from: DomJamesToTheBasket on April 08, 2011, 12:36:28 AM
While Butler is not a flashy prospect by any stretch, he's an especially smart and well coached player with great intangibles and an understanding of his role.
WHA!?!?! I thought there was only one coach in Wisconsin who could develop talent? Look at how Vander struggled because Buzz can't develop talent.
I think Jimmy will get drafted in the second round. He would be well served to play on a younger team where his maturity will help him stand out.
Jimmy could be a good role player. Like Wes, he had practice in college playing as the second or third option so there won't be as much adjustment compared to a guy like James or McNeal who were used to getting a high volume of shots. He does not need a high volume of shots to get into a rhythm. He can play 10 mins and get 2 shots and be fine.
He also has a great mid range game and draws fouls which is huge for the NBA. As far as his threes, I think he has the touch and could develop into a 35% three point shooter with more reps.
I honestly think that it comes down to lateral speed. He has the toughness, record or hitting big shots, and all the intangibles.
I've posted several times that I feel Jimmy is more athletic than Lazar for sure, and quite possibly Wes Matthews. Jimmy might not shoot it quite as well as either guy - but believe he is a much better shooter off the bounce than Lazar or Wes. Jimmy can absolutely defend as well as Wes and Lazar did. Jimmy's offensive efficiency rating has always been stellar.
I'd be really surprised if he doesn't get drafted in the 2nd round. In my view he has more lateral quickness than Lazar had, and quite possibly more than Wes. Jimmy defended everyone from a guy like Holliway on Xavier to Marshon Brooks...both those guys have very good quicks..
Quote from: Ners on April 08, 2011, 08:27:59 PM
Jimmy defended everyone from a guy like Holliway on Xavier to Marshon Brooks...both those guys have very good quicks..
Wes has only guarded guys like Kobe and Carmelo.
Well, Wes has had a a fairly tough time defending the Black Mamba. ;)
I know. My after work bourbons may have forced my inner monologue out for all to see. Great to see Jimmy doing well.
Jimmy was again the game's high scorer in a 79-66 win. Great all around line....
26 MIN 18 PTS (7-11 FG)(4-4 FT) 5 REB 2 A 2 BLK 1 STL 1 TO
http://www.portsmouthinvitational.com/boxscores/2011_Game_7.html