CHICAGO (AP) -- There was a time when Jimmy Butler was kicked out of his home as a teenager with no place to go. He has come a long way since then.

Report: Bulls’ Jimmy Butler wins Most Improved Player NBC Sports
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Butler said. ''Somehow, some way, with the people that were in my corner, I found a way to get there.''

The 25-year-old Butler received 92 of 129 first-place votes and 535 total points from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors was second (11 first-place votes, 200 points) and Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz finished third (12, 189).

''It's a testament to his work ethic and what he's done,'' coach Tom Thibodeau said. ''Each year, he's gotten a lot better. I think it's being recognized by a lot of people now. Where he is today, in comparing that to where he was four years ago, he's made a gigantic jump.''


That the award went to Butler is hardly a surprise given the improvement he showed while helping the Bulls fight through injuries to win 50 games.

''I'm very happy for him,'' the Bulls' Joakim Noah said. ''Very well deserved. Somebody that's worked extremely hard.[url=http://www.officialbluejaysstore.com/authentic-19-paul-molitor-jersey.... Molitor Youth Jersey
I'm happy for Jimmy.''

In his fourth season, the 6-7 guard went from averaging 13.1 to 20 points. His shooting improved from 39.7 to 46.2 percent, his rebounding jumped from 4.9 to 5.8 and his assists increased from 2.6 to 3.3 per game.

Butler is also in line for a huge payday as a restricted free agent after he and the Bulls were unable to agree to a contract extension before the season. He said at the time he was betting on himself, and it sure looks like he hit the jackpot.

CHICAGO (AP) -- There was a time when Jimmy Butler was kicked out of his home as a teenager with no place to go. He has come a long way since then.

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