Wade: Butler is showing why Rondo and I came to Chicago

Given the tempered expectations entering the season, the Chicago Bulls have been among the most surprising teams in the league during the early going.

And while a number of Bulls have played well throughout the team's first 10 games, the play of Jimmy Butler is easily the biggest reason for Chicago's success in 2016-17.

"(Butler) is leading us," Dwyane Wade told Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune. "He's doing what me and (Rajon) Rondo came here for him to do. That's to really turn into a premier, premier player in this league - above just an All-Star. He's defending the other team's best guys, he's rebounding, he's passing, he's scoring, and he's being aggressive. He's good."

The 6-foot-7 shooting guard has been terrific on both ends of the floor to start the season, averaging 24.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.0 steals on 48 percent shooting.

While players like Anthony Davis, DeMar DeRozan, and Damian Lillard have dominated the headlines, Butler has arguably been the best of the bunch, posting a higher win share total (2.2), win shares per 48 (.304), and VORP (0.8) than the trio.

"I don't consider that carrying," Butler said. "I consider that making some shots and doing what they need me to do. That's being aggressive. (Dwyane Wade) always tells me to come out with energy. I was just doing what my teammates want and need me to do."