Not Impressed
Cowley’s sources claim that star Jimmy Butler, who’s also been named in recent trade rumors, isn’t a believer in the current Bulls roster. Not surprisingly, however, the source didn’t mention any of Butler’s teammates by name.
“Although sources said Butler has expressed his displeasure with the roster to anyone in the front office who has asked in recent weeks, he’s not the type of guy to name names.” – Joe Cowley
There you have it. Within closed doors, Jimmy is voicing his concerns about the roster to his bosses in the front office. Not only that, he’s putting the onus on Gar and Paxson to fix it.
‘‘Jimmy’s attitude is [the front office is] paid to fix it, so fix it.’’ – Joe Cowley’s Unnamed Source
GarPax’s approval rating is at an all-time low among the Bulls’ loyal fanbase, and it sounds like their franchise player is feeling equally unimpressed with their job performance. After his team’s ugly loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Butler lamented the inconsistency that’s plagued them all season.
‘‘I take everything personal. I hate losing…Losing is something I don’t accept, we shouldn’t accept. We gotta go out and be better. But it’s just talk. No matter what we say, if we don’t go out there and do it, what the hell is talking about it going to do? We’ve been up and down like this all year.’’ – Jimmy Butler
Make Your Move
Jimmy is raising his game to superstar levels this season, but there’s only so much he can do. It must be frustrating to see such varying levels of help from his sidekicks. Not only that, this Bulls roster lacks the specific pieces needed for Butler to properly lead Hoiberg’s pace and space offense. If he had some floor spacers around him, Butler and the Bulls might be able to emulate what James Harden and the Rockets are doing with great success this season. But that kind of talent just isn’t there.
Butler has repeatedly said he loves playing in Chicago and wants to stay here. He wants to win here. If the February trade deadline passes and the roster isn’t changed (either to add necessary pieces this season or set themselves up for next season) Jimmy’s frustration will undoubtedly grow. If he doesn’t have faith in GarPax’s ability to build the right pieces around him, his desire to stay in Chicago for the prime years of his career will diminish. Why waste your best years playing for a franchise that does nothing to help you as you continue to elevate your game and bail them out?
That’s a question Jimmy is asking himself more and more as the Bulls plod through another disappointing season.
