There’s been a reported rift in the Chicago Bulls backcourt between Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, from Butler wanting their chemistry to improve to him reportedly criticizing Rose’s work ethic. Despite speculation, Butler has since adamantly refuted any feud with Rose, several times.
Rose also took a strong stance on the alleged feud with his shooting guard in an interview with CSN Chicago:
“It’s false,” Rose said. “It’s so false. It’s so false. I love Jimmy as a player and as a person for one. Just knowing what he came from, what he had to go through just to get in this position. He still has a bright future. I’m lucky in my career to be playing with a player where the sky’s the limit. Like who knows how good he can be and who knows how good the team can be. It’s very exciting not to only be playing with this team but with a guy like that.”
Butler’s breakout season in 2014-15 not only earned him Most Improved Player, he turned into more of a primary presence for the Bulls than Derrick Rose. That dynamic alone is enough for some natural tension to have existed at some level. This has been Rose’s team. It’s turning into Butler’s team. But from Rose’s comments, it seems like he’s comfortable with that transition, calling himself “lucky” to play with a guy like Butler in his career. As a backcourt and as title contenders, the best thing for Rose and the Bulls is Butler’s progression. Rose appears to understand that.
