With Desmond Mason out for the season the Hornets needed someone to step up, and Butler is doing exactly that again.  In his last 7 games, Butler is averaging 11.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 1.6 blocks per game.  He also has hit 18 of 39 (46.2%) of his three-point shots in those 7 games.  Butler is a very valuable player for the Hornets as he stepped up his game earlier in the season when the Hornets really needed him to and he’s doing it again.