Jimmy Butler's all grown up.
In just four years, the 25-year-old Marquette product went from being the 30th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and barely playing as a rookie to suddenly being considered as the best player on the Bulls roster while being thrust into this year's MVP conversation.
His averages of 21.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists are not only career highs but have made the Bulls a championship contender and earned him the respect of his coaches, teammates and peers around the league.
"I'm very proud of Jimmy," Derrick Rose told RedEye. "The way that he's been playing, I'm glad that he's been able to stay focused and not let all the talk about how good he's been get to his head."
L.A. Lakers star Kobe Bryant knows a thing or two about what it takes to play shooting guard in the NBA. He also respects players who work hard at perfecting their craft.
"We were playing here in Chicago and I came out early to shoot and I remember he was out there working hard before anybody else got on the court," Bryant recalled of his first matchup against Butler in 2013.
Butler more than held his own that night, forcing Bryant into a 7-for-22 shooting night in a 95-83 Bulls victory. In the locker room after the game, several of Butler's teammates jokingly called him "The Kobe Stopper." However, that outing seemed to serve as proof that he was destined to have a future in this league.
"Looking at the way he's playing now, it's clear that he's been working hard," Bryant said. "He's playing extremely well. It's not an accident. It's not a hot streak. He's expanded his game."
With an already well-earned reputation for being a tireless defender, Butler's improved scoring ability-particularly from outside-has caught a lot of people's attention.
"I look up to Kobe in so many ways," Butler said. "Not only because of how great of a basketball player he is but what he did to get there. How hard he worked, his approach to the game and his respect for the game. I think things like that carry over in people's eyes, and that's what I try to do."
Already on the verge of making his first All-Star game, Butler is also in the running for this year's Most Improved Player award. As for the MVP race, he's facing stiff competition in Golden State's Stephen Curry and Houston's James Harden.
However, being in the conversation is an achievement in itself.
"I know he won't get many MVP votes, but who's been playing better than him?" ESPN NBA analyst Michael Wilbon asked rhetorically. "Jimmy Butler was already an important part of this team. Of course Derrick Rose still makes the Bulls go and Joakim Noah is the heart and soul. But in terms of value, Jimmy is right there with both of those guys."
Butler is quick to downplay talk of his individual play, preferring instead to deflect attention to the team. He said going to New York and representing the Bulls in the All-Star Game would be an honor. He added that Bulls fans screaming "MVP!" while he's at the free-throw line is flattering, but also funny.
While he appreciates the respect he's garnered in Chicago and around the league, there's still only one thing on his mind.
"Going to the All-Star game would be great. Winning MVP? Who knows? But 'NBA champion' is something I'd rather hear our fans screaming about," Butler said. "I'm trying to play deep into the summer, man. I want that ring. That's all I'm focused on."
Bryan Crawford is a RedEye special contributor.