2016 Olympics

Sam Smith

Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo? It’s become one of the big surprise questions of the NBA and perhaps one of the principal curiosities of the coming season.

Can that work? Will that work? Is it a three-car pileup or just the beginning of a smooth, comfortable trip?

Jimmy Butler isn’t concerned; he knows it will succeed and he cannot wait to start the engine of the new Bulls Big Three. And beyond.

“D-Wade’s here; I’m excited,” Butler said Thursday before USA Basketball practice in the United Center.

Butler is expected to start 8 p.m. Friday when the USA team plays Venezuela in the fourth game of its exhibition tour before the Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro next month. Then it’s about a month off before the Bulls open training camp and the preseason Oct. 3 in the United Center. And while Butler said his focus and energies are directed now exclusively toward representing the country and winning a gold medal, he says he’s excited and anxious to start playing with his new teammates.

Though often overlooked with the addition of veterans Rondo and Wade is a mostly young Bulls roster with 10 of the 15 players 25 years old or less. The Bulls Thursday signed a 15th player, Spencer Dinwiddie, who was acquired last month from Detroit and played for the summer league team. The Bulls for now open the 2016-17 season with eight new players, five of whom are 25 or under.

“It’s a new start for a lot of us,” agreed Butler. “There are multiple ways to score the basketball. I don’t get into analytics and the numbers. I think D-Wade has put the ball in the basket for a lot of years. He’s a great player because of the way he scores the ball. I don’t think you can call him a non shooter because he can definitely shoot the ball. Rondo, call him what you want, but he’s effective at what he does. Same thing with myself. You can say you have to be able to knock down the open shot, but I think we’ll find ways.

“As long as I put the ball in the basket, I don’t think it matters whether it’s from outside or in the paint,” said Butler. “Shooting threes or not…as long as I’m productive and efficient.”

Shooting three pointers has become the fashion of the NBA with the success of the Golden State Warriors. But it’s hardly an exclusive panacea or answer for every team. When the Spurs won their last title in 2016, they were tied for 16th in the regular season in three pointers attempted. In the playoffs, they shot 35 percent on threes, which ranked 11th of the 16 teams. Last season, Houston attempted the second most threes and finished .500. Charlotte and Dallas, first round losers, were also in the top five in three-point attempts. The Bulls last season were actually third in three-point percentage in the regular season, but missed the playoffs. Three is worth more than two, sure, but a lot of twos can add up to a lot of wins. Wade’s Miami Heat was in the bottom five in three-point percentage last season, yet a strong playoff participant.

It’s also about having players who can make plays and who have made plays, All-Stars like all three and champions, like Wade and Rondo.

“I think I have to catch up with them, the winning mentality,” Butler said about his new veteran teammates with NBA titles. “I think I can learn a lot from those guys, what it takes to win each and every day. Obviously, D-Wade with multiple championships, Rondo his intensity; that’s something I need to get better at. So those two guys can show me that way.

“As a team we have to be chasing probably who, Cleveland, Boston?” Butler offered when asked about the coming Eastern Conference race. “Whoever people say are the top teams in the East. We want to be amongst those teams; obviously, win a championship here. That’s the goal. But, obviously, with the group of guys we have we’re fine. I think the front office did a great job in bringing in guys who can help us win. So we’re all chasing that championship.”

That’s, of course, the goal for every team.

At this time of year, there are sunny opportunities and plenty of optimism. Everyone is undefeated.

For Butler, it’s now his first chance to play for an Olympic gold medal, and he’s thrilled to have the opportunity.

“I’m happy anytime I get to suit up in an NBA uniform and compete against some of the guys on this team, obviously,” said Butler. “I’m with them. I like our chances. I’m excited I get to play with those guys (in the regular season). I’m ready to get it started, but right now I’m trying to win gold with these guys.”

Butler has had a limited role with the USA team, coming off the bench and averaging about three points, mostly used as a defensive specialist for a team 3-0 with an average margin of victory of about 45 points per game. He’ll probably get to shoot more at home in Friday’s game.

“I like going out there getting in shape, playing some defense; I like doing that, just guard. I like that job,” said Butler. “We’ve got enough guys who can score the ball. I can score the ball with the best of them, too. I’m not saying I can’t. I like to work on my passing game. I feel like when I’m in an NBA season I can’t just play defense anymore; I have to play both sides. We have so many good scorers I actually like picking up full court and guarding people like that because that takes me back to my rookie year where I could just play defense. It’s an honor to be playing with these guys, representing my country. I just want to win; I don’t give a damn about scoring.”

But Butler, who said he’s now weighing in at a muscular 240 pounds, said he’s also learned from this group of stars that include Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony.

“See how they work on their game, their moves, how efficient they what to be,” said Butler. “You can learn a lot working with guys and watching their moves; they’ve been doing it longer than I have…watching these guys every day in practice, I see how efficient you have to be and work on this move and this move; that’s what you’ll be comfortable with. I just want to win; have fun obviously, but the fun is in the winning.”

With Team USA, Butler is playing with former coach Tom Thibodeau, who is a USA assistant and Minnesota Timberwolves coach and president. Thibodeau at practice was surrounded by so many reporters USA coach Mike Krzyzewski walked by and joked he was envious.

Thibodeau thanked Bulls managing partner Jerry Reinsdorf for the chance to start his head coaching career in Chicago and said he’s impressed with the Butler, Wade, Rondo trio.

“You’re talking about three guys who are going to add experience, intelligence and having been in big situations,” said Thibodeau. “Great players always figure out how to play with each other. When you look at Rondo, Wade and Butler, that’s very difficult to match up with.”

“I like Thibs,” added Butler. “I think everyone knows that. He kind of put me on the map, so to speak. I still remember like yesterday he put me in a game in New York to guard Carmelo, who hit me with the jab, tried to bruise my sternum. But I remember I hit a mid range jump shot because Derrick (Rose) was screaming at me to shoot the damn ball and stop passing. I remember that. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know if I’d be the player I am today. So I have a lot of love and respect for him.”

Butler also said he spoke with Rose at the USA game in Los Angeles last weekend and has been in contact with Joakim Noah and Mike Dunleavy. Butler said he’s not concerned about health issues in Brazil because he’s from Tomball, Texas and not afraid of anything. And though he acknowledged the business aspect of the profession—clearly given Wade’s surprising departure with his first Chicago press conference 2 p.m. Friday—he said it’s time to move forward.

“You have to respect when guys come together like that,” Butler noted of his new Bulls teammates. “But more than anything (guys from the USA team) say how it’s hard to play in this (United Center) building, how we’re a gritty team, how I hack a lot on defense. I think everybody knows we have a good team, a good trio of guards. I don’t know: Am I a small forward now? Whatever it is. We’ve got guys who can play, so you have to guard a lot of guys on our roster.”

Both in the next month and Butler believes for months to come in Chicago.

jimmy-butler-ready-for-a-new-look-bulls-team

Jimmy Butler ready for a new-look Bulls team

As if Venezuela doesn’t have enough problems with food shortages and riots roiling the country in a desperate humanitarian crisis. Now the national basketball team must face a hungry USA Basketball juggernaut in the United Center 8 p.m. Friday.

The USA team’s pre-Olympic exhibition tour officially is known as its Basketball Showcase.

But it’s been a case of the missing opponent. With two games against China and one with Argentina, the USA team is 3-0 with an average margin of victory of 45.3 points.

And then coach Mike Krzyzewski chided the team a bit after the Wednesday 107-57 victory over China in Oakland for perhaps not taking things seriously enough. Uh oh.

This exhibition tour doesn’t feature the best competition the USA team will see in Rio de Janeiro next month in the men’s Olympic basketball tournament. But it’s been an impressive start, nonetheless, and even for a team that is without several of the NBA’s biggest stars, like LeBron James, Chris Paul, LaMarcus Aldridge, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin, John Wall, Anthony Davis, Kevin Love and Damian Lillard. All withdrew for various personal reasons, including injury and fatigue.

But it’s not a team without stars as Kevin Durant has emerged as one of the top scorers along with Carmelo Anthony and DeMarcus Cousins.

Bulls two-time All-Star Jimmy Butler is among the 12 USA players competing for the gold medal. Butler is expected to start Friday in the United Center game.

Krzyzewski said he’s been changing starting lineups to feature players at or near their home cities or home teams. Several Golden State Warriors started in Tuesday’s game in Oakland, including new Warrior Durant making his Oakland debut.

Butler said at USA training in Las Vegas last week he’d concentrate on defense with this team.

“It’s cool being on the same team as some of the best players in the world,” Butler said. “Watching them go at it and compete even in practice. That’s something I’ve got to be able to carry over to the NBA soon.

&lt;p“To help us win,” Butler said about his goal.

“Do whatever it takes,” Butler added. “I know I’ll be guarding; that’s for sure. But I don’t think anybody’s going to have the same role that they had with their individual team in the NBA. But like Coach K said, ‘Everybody’s gotta sacrifice for the greater of the team.’ So whatever my role may be, you best bet I’ll star in that role. (This is) another thing I never expected to happen being from Tomball (Texas). Until August 21st, (winning gold) is what each and every one of the guys on this Olympic roster wants.”

Butler has come off the bench in all three games, averaging just under 15 minutes per game. Butler is averaging 2.3 points on three of nine shooting in the three games. Krzyzewski has emphasized defense with this USA team, which is not uncommon for USA national teams given the short time coming together. But Krzyzewski also said it’s a roster best fit for defense because of the athleticism and size of the players and thus the ability to switch on the perimeter and protect the rim.

“I think there’s a willingness to play it,” Krzyzewski said about the team’s defensive efforts. “The guys want to play it and then it’s a matter of us getting to where we understand our coverages on the wing, top ball screens, stuff like that so it’s coordinated. I think we can play really good D. DeMar (DeRozan) had his hands on a lot of balls, and Paul (George) was really good on both ends of the court. Then either or he or Jimmy (Butler), Klay (Thompson), DeMar, those are very active defenders on the perimeter.”

Durant and Anthony have been the leaders of the team.

Durant is the leading scorer at 18.3 per game with Anthony at 14 points per game. Anthony is going for a record third consecutive gold medal and fourth straight Olympics with USA Basketball. Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins is second to Durant at 15.6 per game and a team best 11 rebounds. Cousins plays much differently with USA Basketball than he does with the Kings, more in control and team oriented. Cousins has been running the court and attacking the boards instead of holding onto the ball as he does with the Kings, and he thus has been a dominant player.

DeAndre Jordan complements Cousins at center as the team has had huge margins on the offensive boards. Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving and George have provided scoring. George is making a popular comeback with USA Basketball after suffering a broken leg at USA training two years ago.

The USA team will practice in Chicago Thursday. Following Friday’s game against Venezuela, the team will play a final exhibition game Aug. 1 against Nigeria in Houston. The team then leaves for Rio de Janeiro for the basketball competition from Aug. 6 through Aug. 21.

usa-basketball-comes-to-chicago

USA Basketball comes to Chicago

chikstrycharz

It’s been a steady, if unlikely, climb for Jimmy Butler, one scratch-your-head, is-that-really-Jimmy-Butler moment to the next from a college basketball scholarship to first round pick, if barely, to NBA All-Star, maximum contract and now an Olympian.

Butler wasn’t quite ready to declare that as USA Basketball Monday opened its training camp for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. But Butler, wearing No. 4, said he’s looking forward to success with his new Bulls teammates as well.

“I think we’re going to win some games,” Butler said in his first extended comments since the Bulls traded Derrick Rose, parted ways with Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol and signed Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. “Everybody has to sacrifice a little something for the greater betterment of the team. I think we all just want to win. They have done it. I want to do it. So I’ll play my role in that. But like I tell everyone, I’m going to still be the player I am. I’m not going to take a step backward because I have new players on my team. I’m going to still be aggressive, I’m going to still guard, I’m going to still play hard. I just hope that that’s enough to make us win.”

Butler said he’s been speaking with Wade and Rondo regularly since their signings and is encouraged about the season ahead.

“I’ve talked to all of them a lot,” Butler said. “I’ve got to get to know my guys in and out. I know that it’s new. But it’s never too early to start. (They’ve said) keep doing what I’ve been doing, how we’re excited to get together and play. Everything that I would expect for them to say. I think I’ve made a name for myself in this league. I’m going to continue to build upon that. I want my name to be in there with the greats. I’m not saying it will be. But I’m not saying that it won’t be.”

And Butler said he continues on that unlikeliest of roads that’s led to mountains of sporting success.

“I know where I stand in this league as player,” Butler said. “If I continue to work, I continue to get better. While you were sleeping this morning at 5 AM, I was at Athletic Gaines getting my work in. If I continue to do that, I’ll be all right.”

And so begins Butler’s first odyssey this season, with USA Basketball through late August. The USA team will train in Chicago next week and then play Venezuela in the United Center July 29. Play begins in Brazil Aug. 6 with the gold medal game Aug. 21. Then it’s just over a month before Butler joins his new Bulls team that basically has only Taj Gibson from the team he joined in 2011 as the last draft pick in the first round. Since then it’s been a series of personal successes for Butler coupled with team disappointments. After missing the playoffs this past season for the first time in Butler’s tenure, the Bulls made bold moves to change the makeup of the team.

Even Butler’s name came up in trade rumors and speculation. So did talk of team discord, though Butler said he’s come to understand everything is less personal than being a business.

“Different, obviously,” Butler said about the departures of Rose and Noah. “I’ve been playing with them since I was a first year player. But I can’t hang my head on that. I’ve got to move forward. I’ve still got to help this team, the Chicago Bulls, win games. I’m sorry they’re not here, but eventually I’ve got to move on from it. I’m never shocked (about changes). Because I understand that this is a business. If you’re on the outside looking in, you don’t understand that. You can blame it on whatever you want to blame it on, the reason that guys got traded, who didn’t like who, who had problems with who. Whatever. But it’s a business. When you understand that, you understand the moves that we made. I wish them two dudes — and Pau, Pau’s my guy — I wish all three of them the best of luck moving forward. I have nothing but respect for them.

“Whoever I play for is gonna get my best effort every single night,” Butler said. “That’s what got me to this point. I’m not the most talented guy. I just play hard, man. If it’s the Chicago Bulls, which I think it will be, I’m coming at everybody.”

Butler said that will include even greater demands for accountability for everyone. That often was said to be an issue last season, and Butler made headlines when he questioned coach Fred Hoiberg about that in December. Butler suggested with the veterans the Bulls have now there will be no worrying about feelings, a question that has been raised given the strong personalities of Butler, Wade and Rondo.

“I’ll have a voice in the locker room,” Butler said. “I’ll say what needs to be said. What I want those guys to do whenever I’m on some (crap detour), I want them to tell me. I want you to say my name, man to man. That goes with everybody: Say my name. I’m going to do the same to you. Whenever you’re (messing) and not doing what you’re supposed to be doing in practice and the game or not taking care of your body….holding somebody accountable. You can’t beat around the bush and say, ‘Hey guys, we need to take care of our body.’ ‘Hey guys, we’re taking bad shots.’ It’s, ‘Jimmy, you need to do this. You need to do that.’

“That goes for everybody,” Butler said pointedly. “This is a team thing from the players on the court to the coaches all the way to the management. If we’re all holding each other accountable and getting on guys, it’s only going to make us better because then we know what we’re doing wrong. Whenever you make a mistake and are called out upon it, you’re not going to do it again.”

And so continues the journey for Jimmy Butler and the Bulls.

Butler hopes it sparkles gold in another month, and eventually the Bulls return to the NBA throne with him.

“Do whatever it takes,” Butler said of his Olympic role. “I know I’ll be guarding; that’s for sure. But I don’t think anybody’s going to have the same role that they had with their individual team in the NBA. But like Coach K said, ‘Everybody’s gotta sacrifice for the greater of the team.’ So whatever my role may be, you best bet I’ll star in that role. (This is) another thing I never expected to happen, being from Tomball. So moving forward, that’s my goal. Until August 21st, that’s what each and every one of the guys on this Olympic roster wants. We signed for that.

“To tell you the truth, every morning I wake up I just thank God because I’m so fortunate to be in the position I am with the guys I have around me,” Butler said. “I don’t really look at how far I’ve come. I know where I want to get to. That’s my goal. That’s why I wake up and train the way I do. I’m a fierce competitor. I don’t look at where I’ve come from because it never defined me and never will. I know where I want to end up. I know when you say my name in a sentence, ‘he’s a helluva player;’ that’s what I want to be said.”

jimmy-butler-getting-ready-to-take-on-the-world

Jimmy Butler getting ready to take on the world

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