Butler recorded 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game last season. In franchise history, only three other players have reached Butler’s 2014-15 points, rebounds and assist averages in a single season – Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Artis Gilmore. Each of those players was later enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Butler’s scoring average increased from 13.1 points per game in 2013-14 to 20.0 points per game last season. That was the biggest increase in the NBA.
Butler was 1 of 15 qualifying players to average at least 20 points per game last season. He was the only one of the 15 players to also make the All-Defensive team.
Butler is 1 of 3 players to make each of the last two All-Defensive teams, joining Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul.
Butler was 1 of 5 players that ranked in the top-20 in both transition points and efficiency (min. 100 plays).
One of Butler’s biggest achievements was improving his level of efficiency while being used at the highest rate of his career, 27.2% higher than 2013-14. Butler set career bests in shooting, passing, rebounding and turnover percentages/rates. His overall efficiency improved by 57.1% year-over-year.
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.