Jared Butler was a second round pick by the Utah Jazz but had first round potential according to many NBA Draft analysts. The point guard led Baylor to a national championship and proved his ability to both score and facilitate the ball whenever needed. Oklahoma City signed him in the middle of the year last season, and he spent plenty of time with the Thunder’s G League affiliate. Fans weren’t really able to see his skill set on display.
Through four summer league games in both Salt Lake City and Vegas, Butler is averaging 11 points per contest on 44.4% shooting from 3-point range. He’s drilled a triple in every game so far, including three a piece against both the Grizzlies and the Mavericks. Along with Tre Mann, Butler has been one of the few Thunder players able to operate with the shot clock running low and find a way to hit tough step back jumpers out of dribble combo’s.
Butler has also shown his ability to distribute the rock, averaging 4.5 assists over the four-game stretch. Against the Grizzlies and Sixers, the Baylor product dished out six dimes in each contest. He’s helped set up the offense both from the starting lineup and off the bench, and has developed solid pick-and-roll chemistry with Oklahoma City’s bigs.
The Thunder utilize two-way spots in a unique way, giving players a serious opportunity to stick around and receive playing time at the highest level. Butler’s play throughout the second half of the G League season and early on in Summer League should warrant a locked in two-way spot. He’s proven to be a steady contributor at every level so far and could be a valuable piece at the end of the bench.
It’s always a luxury to have reliable shooters anywhere on the roster, and at the very least, Butler has proven to be knockdown. In 27 G League games, he averaged 16.7 points, on 36% from long range and 83.9% from the free throw line. In addition, Butler recorded 6.4 assists to just 2.2 turnovers per game.
Oklahoma City is 3-1 in Summer League action so far, and plenty of prospects are breaking out. Butler’s performances are flying under the radar, but the two-way point guard is doing his job on the floor.
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