There’s an old-school feel to Jimmy Butler.

He wasn’t a lottery pick or a guy considered to be more than a mid-first rounder to most teams when he entered the draft in 2011. The same could be said when Butler signed with Marquette in 2008. Butler, however, has shown the ability and willingness to grow, develop and contribute every place he’s played. It's old school to enter the league with four years of college experience (one season at Tyler Junior College), develop, grow through coaching, crack the starting five after a season or two coming off the bench and eventually become an All-Star.

Butler has done that and more. He’s become, arguably, the best player on the Chicago Bulls, certainly their most reliable. Making the All-Star team is a dream come true for Butler, but also serves as a new source of motivation. Butler isn’t the type to sit back and admire his own work. He’ll enjoy the game and when it’s over go back to playing at a level the not only shows why he deserves to be playing in this All-Star and many more to come.

“This doesn’t change anything for me,” Butler said. “I still have to continue to play with a chip on my shoulder and help my team win games. That will show why I was chosen to be here.”

Butler plays with a chip on his shoulder. That chip has been the driving force behind the first-time All-Star’s success. He’s truly is a guy that has worked his way up from the bottom. After showing improvements in each of his first three seasons, Butler knew coming into the 14-15 season that this could be a breakout year if he put in the work.

So Butler did what he’s always done, what comes natural to him: worked relentlessly in the summer. The work has paid off as Butler has improved in every statistical offensive category. He’s come a long way and knows there is still a lot more if can do. 

“As long as you work on your game anything is possible,” he said. “I did that this summer and I’m very confident in my game right now. I hope to keep that confidence up so this isn’t my only All-Star game”

Always focused on the next job, Butler hasn’t yet fully grasped the reality that he’s an All-Star. The experience has been special, but it won’t fully sink in for him until he hears his name called on Sunday. It will be a great moment for the Bulls’ star. His hard work is paying off for him and his team. He’s earned his wow moment and appreciated the position he’s found himself in.

“I think it will hit me more on Sunday,” Butler said. “I think then it’s really going to be like wow. This is something you wish for growing up and I’m very fortunate to be here in this position.”