Bulls Head Coach Fred Hoiberg Sees Michael Jordan in Jimmy Butler
The Michael Jordan comparisons get thrown around a lot. So, hey, what's another one to add to the pile?
When Jimmy Butler came into the league out of Marquette in 2011, he was considered a stout defender and average in nearly every other category. Since then, he has steadily improved his game, averaging career-highs in points (20), rebounds (5.8) and assists (3.3) per game last season.
Recently, Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg raved about Butler and it had nothing to do with his offensive or defensive capabilities. Instead, he wanted to talk about the intangibles, as well as drop a little MJ comparison in the process.
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
While the comparison to Jordan and KG seems like a lofty one, you can see where Hoiberg is coming from. Butler is a fierce competitor who leads by example.
This offseason, the Bulls were wise to ink Butler to a lucrative five-year, $95 million deal. At only 26, the Houston, Texas native appears to be the type of player you can build your team around in more ways than one. He fills up a stat sheet on a nightly basis and does all the little things that you ask out of your franchise player.
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[via Dime]
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