Jimmy Butler's rise to stardom came rather unexpectedly. But two players who knew the reigning Most Improved Player and All-Star before his fame knew the signs were there.
Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade and small forward Luol Deng, who will square off against Butler and the Bulls tonight in Chicago, were aware of the player Butler was when the Bulls made him the No. 30 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and have marveled at the player he's become.
Deng spent the first two-and-a-half seasons of Butler's career in Chicago, acting as a mentor for the Marquette standout.