There might be truth to the rumored feud between Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, and there might not be, either. It’s impossible to know for certain one way or another unless either player takes the unprecedented step of confirming it. There’s one thing, though, that the Chicago Bulls stars, the media that covers them, and the fans who adore them can all surely agree on: It’s time to stop talking about it.
Responding to Wednesday’s report of his supposed displeasure with Rose’s work ethic, Butler made a concerted effort to dispel longstanding whispers of trouble in the Windy City.
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
Though both he and Rose have consistently downplayed all reports of strife between them, Butler’s words represent the most authoritative denial from either player on the matter. Obviously, the 26-year-old believes it’s time for he and his team to focus solely on basketball as opposed to more meaningless distractions. Needless to say, we agree with him.
Unfortunately, Butler’s approach won’t ensure that this story dies. The Bulls are one of the league’s glamour teams after all, and Rose is one of its most fascinating stars – regardless of whether or not his play warrants that attention. Plus, an obvious power shift always complicates the dynamic in team sports. Chicago would be facing questions on the relationship between Rose and Butler even if they were best of friends.
The Bulls could be primed for legitimate contention in 2015-16 under the guidance of new coach Fred Hoiberg, and with Butler ready to take the next step toward superstardom, it’s inevitable that Rose will cede some of his playmaking responsibilities in the process. But that was going to take place regardless of his teammate’s ascent. Hoiberg’s offense puts a premium on ball and player movement, rendering the former MVP’s penchant for off-dribble chucking a thing of the past. Less Rose, basically, should mean a more efficient Chicago offense – irrespective of Butler’s place in it.
Ultimately, that’s obviously what should matter most to both players. And with Butler aggressively fanning the flames on his rapport with Rose, hopefully basketball will become the focus for the Bulls. If either player is slumping come the regular season though, rest assured that this story will catch fire yet again.
