2013 Central Division Position Power Ranking: Shooting Guard

4.) Chicago Bulls

May 15, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls small forward Jimmy Butler (21) is pressured by Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) during the second half in game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Miami Heat won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Shooting Guards:

– Jimmy Butler

Production: 2012-2013 season: 8.6 PPG (13.3 PPG in Playoffs); 4 RPG; 1.4 APG

Value: 3 years- $3.2 million; Will make $1.1 million this year

Projection: 2013-2014 season: 10.9 PPG; 4.2 RPG; 1.4 APG

– Mike Dunleavy Jr.

Production: 2012-2013 season: 10.5 PPG; 3.9 RPG; 1.9 APG; 43% 3FG

Value: 2 years- $6 million

Projection: 2013-2014 season: 8.6 PPG; 2.9 RPG; 1.5 APG; 42% 3FG

– Jimmy Butler had an exceptionally good season  last year, and the Bulls hope Butler can make a major leap this coming season. Jimmy is among one of the most highly valuable young prospects in the league. With his 6’7″ frame, he has the ability to shoot over his defenders. With an improved jump shot, Butler has the potential to be a major candidate for Most Improved Player of the year this season.

Among the transactions the Bulls have made this season, the signing of Mike Dunleavy Jr. may be the biggest. After losing sharp shooting guard Marco Bellineli to the defending Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs, the Bulls were left with a huge hole to fill. Dunleavy is a perfect fit for Chicago. He provides that killer outside shot, along with the ability to create a shot for himself. Even though the Bulls do not have as much depth as the other Central Division teams, they do have some valuable contributors along side of 2011 MVP Derrick Rose.