Jimmy Butler still remembers the teams that left him originally appeared nbc sports chicago
Jimmy Butler motivates himself by remembering the teams that let him go and his start with the Bulls.
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat leads the defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics 3-1 and is on the verge of making his second NBA Finals appearance. For Bulls fans, one has to think: What if Butler stayed in Chicago? would it be Bulls Heading to another finals journey?
This conversation was brought to you in the latest Bulls Talk podcast with Bulls insider Casey Johnson and Heat beat reporter Ira Winderman of Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel.
“If you didn’t want him. Or if you couldn’t win with him, that’s your fault!”
Winderman discussed Butler’s mindset to teams that didn’t believe in him, and to Butler’s credit, he has been proven to be mainly right. He has brought a winning attitude with him wherever he has gone.
That’s not to say he’s a perfect player or partner. He often angers an organization, which can create a very contentious environment if not funneled properly. However, if harnessed properly, it can lead to a winning culture and success.
During his time with the Bulls, he once famously clashed with former coach Fred Hoiberg, telling him to “coach tougher”.
Winderman said, “So it’s your fault Fred Hoiberg, who I think Jimmy blames more than anything.”
Winderman also acknowledges how Butler partially credits his mindset to coach Tom Thibodeau and his start with the Bulls. Winderman talks about Butler’s respect for Thibodeau after defeating the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
“You can see so much respect for Thibbs and what Thibbs did,” Winderman said. “That Thebes gave him nothing. He had to earn it in Chicago.”
The “earn it” mentality fueled Butler, and it lives on in him today. As Butler attempts to make a second trip to the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat, you have to wonder: What if the Bulls were able to rectify their personality?
To hear the full conversation between Casey Johnson and Ira Winderman, watch the full episode of the Bulls Talk podcast
