Grading the Heat’s top 5 players three quarters through the season

Where to begin with this rating is the only tough part about this. Jimmy Butler is the clear-cut best player on the Heat and Heat Nation has had the luxury of saying so over the past five seasons. Although it was a bit of a slow start, Butler is ramping up his play during this final stretch into the playoffs.

The superstar went from averaging 21.0 points before the All-Star break to 26.0 points after. For the season, Butler is averaging 21.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals on 50.6% shooting and 45.4% from 3-point range. His long-range shooting numbers are his career-high and by a lot, too. He has made a 3-pointer in 15 straight games, which is also a career-long streak.

Somehow, this man proves to get better each season. At 34 years old, implementing more efficiency and long-range shooting is a way for Butler to preserve himself as he ages. He is just as much of a defensive force as he has ever been, staying active in passing lanes and causing disruption to opposing teams. Heat fans need to brace themselves for another “Playoff Jimmy” run because he looks like a man on a mission.