Jimmy Butler’s latest comments show clear change from previous years

By Kyle Thele

The Bulls are entering a new era. There is no doubt about that. As they prepare for their first preseason game, there seems to be a bigger change of the old guard.

Jimmy Butler, now with his new big-time contract, let the world know he plans on taking a big leadership role with the team. However, that’s not what was eye popping about his quotes.

Butler told NBA.com’s David Aldridge the team has been lacking leadership.

I think I can lead vocally, and obviously with my actions on the court. I can’t tell anybody to do something if I’m not doing it. I can’t ask one of these rookies to dive on the floor if I’m not diving on the floor, take a charge if I’m not taking a charge. Leadership is one of the only things that this team has really been lacking. We’ve had a little here and there, but I think you’ve got to have that guy to come in and get it done in the leadership role. We’ve got good enough players. I don’t think that’s ever been a problem.

From an outsider’s perspective, leadership would seem to be the one thing the team had. With vocal veteran Joakim Noah and former MVP Derrick Rose, there has never been a problem finding a “face of the team.”

However, with his new role, Butler seems ready and willing to become the leader for the Bulls.

Neither Noah nor Rose were mentioned by name at all by Butler in the story. But it would be hard not to draw conclusions about the two after reading Butler’s comments.

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