The Chicago Bulls were doing just enough to be in Playoff contention throughout this season, even with constant stories about friction within the locker room, people hating on Jimmy Butler and Jimmy Butler taking shots at head coach Fred Hoiberg.
But even though the Bulls weren’t fans of Jimmy Butler being leader, they have been left stranded of sorts when Butler took on an injury last month.
The Bulls are now teetering on the edge of the Playoffs, 1.5 games behind 8th seed Detroit with 10th seed Washington right behind them. Jimmy Butler’s return could not come at a better time.
Fred Hoiberg is certainly putting a lot into Butler’s return after his left knee strain, hoping it’ll mean a return to a defensive mindset that has waned in Butler’s absence.
Although both sides have hedged their bets, it’s a certainty Butler will play Saturday night, and his return couldn’t have come at a more critical time.
“I want everybody else to wake up right now and realize how important each and every one of these last 22 games are.”
Jimmy Butler with the final quote there. The Bulls have been surviving by a thread without their leader. Pau Gasol and Derrick Rose have been trying to keep the ship steady but it wasn’t enough to keep their place in the Playoffs. I personally prefer the Pistons than the Bulls but you never know. Expect this battle to go down to the wire.
