We seem to be developing something of a habit here: one year after former Marquette standout Lazar Hayward was the final player selected in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls tabbed MU forward Jimmy Butler with the 30th pick in the 2011 Draft.
Things were looking bleak for Butler's first-round prospects after Oklahoma City, Boston, and New Jersey each passed on Jimmy late in round one; Boston's "no thanks," in particular, didn't portend good things, since Butler had been in to work out for the Celtics twice and since Marquette alum Doc Rivers' presence on the Boston sideline hinted at some possible first-round nepotism. But the C's declined at 25, and then took a pass on Jimmy again after trading the rights to MarShon (are we really spelling his name like this now, or is that just ESPN?) Brooks to New Jersey and picking up the Draft's 27th pick.
When San Antonio grabbed Texas guard Cory Joseph with the 29th pick, it seemed likely that Butler would fall to the second round, since Chicago -- according to my sources -- has more pressing needs at shooting guard than at small forward. Regardless, the Bulls made a whole bunch of people in a Tomball, Texas, Chuck E. Cheese very happy tonight, as Jimmy Butler's resume will now read, forever and always: "FIRST ROUND NBA DRAFT PICK."