The Chicago Bulls appeared in the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday night for the first time since they made Derrick Rose the No. 1 overall pick back in 2008. But instead of sending a front office member, coach Fred Hoiberg, or Rose himself to the proceedings, they went with a slightly more unpredictable choice: budding superstar swingman Jimmy Butler.
Why was this unpredictable? Because Butler has been off the radar since Bulls’ GM Gar Forman responded to a question regarding whether Butler is in fact the centerpiece of the franchise by saying “we have to explore all options.” Yet despite reports that Butler wasn’t exactly thrilled with Forman for saying that, there he was, acting exactly like a franchise centerpiece on stage in New York.
Butler has been the subject of some trade speculation on and off for months and Forman’s comment during that media availability back in April might suggest that the All-Star out of Marquette is indeed on the block. For his part, Butler said all the right things in an interview with ESPN’s Nick Friedell, showing some humility in the process when Friedell asked him if Chicago is the place for him long term.
“I love the city of Chicago. I’ve played here my entire career. Let’s not get that misunderstood. I love the guys that we have on the roster. We continue to bring in high-character guys. I’m learning with [Fred] Hoiberg. I’m not perfect, I’ll tell you that. But I’m ready. I think I have to be able to help this team win games, though, that’s for sure.”
Butler went on to tell Friedell that he “thinks” he’ll still be a Bull when training camp rolls around and that he learned a lot about being a leader as the team slogged through the 2015-16 season, noting that “maybe I do talk too much” and that he needs to “just be quiet and do what you’re supposed to do.”
The Bulls had the lowest chance of moving up in the lottery and they subsequently did not, landing the 14th pick in next month’s draft. There’s still a long time between today and the start of training camp, meaning Butler may still wind up elsewhere. But his remarks from Tuesday night show that whether he stays or goes, he’s getting the right idea about what it means to be The Man on an NBA team.
(via ESPN.com)
