Rasual Butler

Every player has stretches during which he plays at the top of his abilities-stretches that causes the fantasy owner to ask, "Why can't you do that all the time?" For Butler, that stretch was called February and March. With injuries and the departure of Marcus Camby thinning out the Clippers' front court, Butler found himself averaging 2.5 threes and 1.1 blocks per game in 35.8 minutes. Unfortunately, the arrival of Ryan Gomes-coupled with a healthy Blake Griffin-make it difficult too project Butler for more than 30 minutes per game.

The Clippers were 23rd in the NBA a season ago in three-point shooting percentage, so acquiring a guy who has proven he can knock down a perimeter shot with regularity made giving up a 2016 draft pick for Butler a no-brainer. Butler is also a solid defender and brings a tough attitude with him to Los Angeles, something that's been missing at the wing positions for the Clippers in recent years.

With all the injuries last season, Butler got a chance to play a lot of minutes and started 38 games for New Orleans. He had career highs in points and rebounds, but was inconsistent from night to night and needs to shoot better from the field (40.0% FG). He’s the primary backup at both wing spots, so there will be playing time available for him, especially if Peja Stojakovic can’t stay healthy.

Butler started 20 games last year as a shooting guard and a small forward. With the starting positions at both solidified by Peja and Mason, Butler will come off the bench as the 7th or 8th man. He could become a starter if Peja or Mason gets injured. Look for Butler to score 6 points and a three pointer per game this year.

Butler will be competing for the starting job at small forward. He has a nice shot and can score a good amount given the playing time, but Butler's biggest problem has been consistency. If he is able to make his shot regularly, he could easily play himself into a starting role. Butler doesn't do too much outside of scoring, so his value is minimal in most leagues.

Butler has the benefit of being one of the few players on this roster who are familiar with coach Van Gundy and his system. Additionally, Riley and Van Gundy are often commenting on their affection for Butler's athleticism, his long arms and his versatility. While Butler will likely never be a fantasy star, he should see solid minutes as one of two true small forwards on this roster. An offseason dedicated to improving his outside game should prove helpful and we look for a few more buckets from the youngster this year. Butler should see the most significant minutes of his young career. Ten pts and five boards per game is a reasonable goal for Butler this year

Butler had a very successful rookie season in 2002-3, playing many more minutes than we expected from a first year player under Pat Riley. He has limited abilities as a shooter, a problem that must be improved if he is to make it in this league. His long reach and aggressiveness make him an attractive option off the bench at times, though he holds very little fantasy value and probably won’t see more than 10-15 minutes a game, if that.