Butler vs. Rose: Awar of work
A former Bull says shooting guard doesn’t respect Derrick’s approach to job
“Personally, the two are great. Professionally is where they have a difference of opinion,’’ said a former Bull on the so-called feud between Bulls stars Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose.
The Jimmy Butler-Derrick Rose so-called feud needed some clarity.
A former Bull provided it Wednesday in a phone interview: “Personally, the two are great. Professionally is where they have a difference of opinion.’’
According to the source, Butler considers Rose a friend but “doesn’t have a lot of respect for his work ethic.’’
In Butler’s eyes, if Rose was considered the face of the franchise but wasn’t busting his butt in practice every day, especially last season, he was sending the wrong message to the team.
“We all saw this coming,’’ the source said.
The source said Butler also took note of a comment Rose made in the playoffs last season.
When asked if Butler had reached superstar status, Rose said, “I think it’s going to take a little min- ute for Jimmy to get there.’’
That explains Butler’s attitude coming into this season, beating his chest about a lack of leadership and how he’s the one willing to change that. And it has been more than just words.
“I’m telling you, the amount of work [Butler] puts in . . . even during two-a-days, he would still come in a third time,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said. “I mean, the guy is unbelievable, how much energy he has. He’s just so dedicated to putting the right things in his body, his training, and he wants to continue to add to his game every year. I take my hat off to him. It’s been fun to see everything he’s been able to do out there on the floor.’’
Butler’s teammates have noticed, as well. He brought Doug McDermott to San Diego this summer to work out. And Butler has been getting all the young guys in the gym for extra work.
He basically is trying to become the superstar that Rose never understood how to be.
“I was fortunate enough, I played with a guy youmight remem- ber named Kevin Garnett,’’ Hoiberg said. “He was one of the best. Everyone followed because of the amount of time guys like that put in the gym. It’s not an accident that guys like that are superstars. When Michael [Jordan] played here, that was another great example of a guy who just pulled everyone with him. And Jimmy wants that.
“He wants to assume that role with leadership, getting guys with him. He had Doug with him for a couple of weeks in San Diego, working out with him, and I think that’s a testament to what hewants to do as far as team goals, when you’ve got a guy that’s one of the best players in the league that also works the hardest.’’
A new five-year, $95 million contract has not affected his work ethic.
“It’s something I have to do if I
‘‘Personally, the two are great. Professionally is where they have a difference of opinion. [Butler] doesn’t have a lot of respect for [Rose’s] work ethic.’’ A former Bull, on the Derrick Rose-Jimmy Butler relationship
want to take this team to the next step, the next level,’’ Butler said. “Obviously, the ultimate goal is a championship, but I have to bring something new every year. And I just think that leadership this year is key because I’ve been going so hard in practice.
“Teams, they follow. My teammates follow what I do. If I’m in practice and I put my hands on my knees, I’m [ticked] off, they look at me and, ‘Oh, Jimmy’s doing it, I can do it.’ It’s contagious. It’s a building block, but contract or not, I still have to lead.’’
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