You could forgive Fred Hoiberg if excitement got the best of him. The 42-year-old had just coached his first NBA game, leading the Chicago Bulls to a 105-95 exhibition win over the neighboring Milwaukee Bucks that showcased not just his team’s completely revamped offense, but the continued strides of its burgeoning superstar.
Jimmy Butler scored 23 points and dished six assists in only 25 minutes of playing time Tuesday night. He dominated in pick-and-roll situations, blew by his man with ease when matched up one-on-one, and generally looked every bit the player Hoiberg described as “phenomenal” during the first week of training camp.
Before last season, Butler was little more than an upper-echelon defender with a limited offensive game. He’s one of the most well-rounded wings in basketball now, though, equally capable of making plays for himself and his teammates – from everywhere on the floor. That the player dominating Milwaukee in the video below was once the last draft pick of the first round doesn’t seem possible, at least until you consider the praise Hoiberg lavished upon him after the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaWhfH2h8yg
Butler is a notorious gym rat. His first three years in the league were marked by heart and hustle as much as solid overall impact. As the 26-year-old’s star rises and rises, then, it’s certainly not surprising that he’d begin to take ownership of the Bulls. Nevertheless, it’s still jarring to see that Hoiberg is already comfortable mentioning Butler’s name in the same breath as two of the greatest leaders basketball has ever seen.
Hoiberg on Butler: "Jimmy, he wants to assume that role, like Kevin Garnett, Michael Jordan, pulling everyone with him with leadership."
— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) October 7, 2015
Hoiberg on Butler: "Even on our two-a-days, he’d still come in a 3rd time. It’s unbelievable how much energy he has; he’s just so dedicated"
— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) October 7, 2015
Butler isn’t Michael Jordan or Kevin Garnett, of course. Even sustaining his level of play from last season for a decade more wouldn’t put him on Garnett’s level, let alone the one at which Jordan sits alone.
But that’s not what Hoiberg is getting at here anyway. He’s talking about the relentless competitive zeal of Garnett and Jordan, the wholly unique mentalities that leveraged their incredible physical gifts further than anyone ever anticipated. The will to win of both players was unsurpassed, and that maniacal desire was eventually inherited by their teammates.
There are different ways to lead, of course. Jordan inspired by example first and foremost, while Garnett remains among the league’s most vocal players as the record-tying 21st season of his career dawns. And though it still remains to be seen how Butler will come to drive Chicago, it’s clear that he has the attitude to do it – not to mention the ever-growing physical capabilities.
