Yesterday, it was reported that the often problematic relationship between Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler hit its breaking point for a specific reason. The talented Chicago Bulls backcourt had reportedly bumped heads before but this time, there was a reason for the issues between the two players.
Butler apparently doesn’t like Derrick Rose’s work ethic, according to a former teammate. This recent report comes shortly after media day, when Rose said he couldn’t wait until the summer of 2017 to get paid during free agency, it appeared Butler didn’t take too kindly to that either and he just wants Rose to focus on winning games right now.
With all the drama surrounding the two, Butler talked to the media today and cleared the air.
Following from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Butler: "I don’t understand why everybody wants to find a problem with me and Derrick. Let us be the fierce, (expletive) competitors we are"
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 8, 2015
Butler: "I love having Derrick as a teammate. Just let us play together. I think we can be one of the best, if not best, backcourts in NBA."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 8, 2015
Butler: "I’ve said it multiple times: I don’t care whose team it is. My job is just to help win. When we win, everybody looks great."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 8, 2015
Butler said his increased vocal leadership isn't slighting anybody, that coaches and teammates have asked him to take larger role.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 8, 2015
Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose have been texting regularly about Hoiberg's offense, including this morning.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 8, 2015
These are two ultra competitive guys with two different personalities.
Rose is often quiet and he doesn’t voice his opinions when asked. He’s even emotionless sometimes on the court, even when he hits a game-winning shot in the playoffs. Rose is quiet and he’s often no vocal on or off the court.
Butler on the other hand is very vocal, not afraid to express his opinions, as seen above, and he is a very active guy on the court. Almost the complete opposite of Rose.
Both are phenominal players, when healthy, and together they do make a case as one of the best backcourts in the NBA. They’re definetely up there with Curry/Thompson and Wall/Beal. Butler making his voice heard and speaking up for both of the parties involved is a good sign for both the Bulls and the dynamic backcourt duo.
