Jimmy Butler has played his way into Tom Thibodeau's rotation over Marco Belinelli.

Butler started playing more minutes last week against the Blazers and Rockets.

Belinelli has struggled to meet the defensive standards of Thibodeau.

“I think he’s still learning and putting forth great effort, and he’ll continue to improve,’’ Thibodeau said of Belinelli’s defense.

“His attitude is great, his approach is great, so he just has to be patient.’’

Butler was the first round pick of the Chicago Bulls in 2011.