Chicago Bulls' Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, and Jimmy Butler. (Photo : Getty Images)
With Derrick Rose currently sidelined because of an orbital bone injury, Jimmy Butler kicked off the preseason with what an SB Nation article called a "declaration of leadership", showing off his point guard skills and locker room headship for what seemed like a leaderless Chicago Bulls team.
Whether it's a direct strike on Rose's leadership competence or not, the 26-year-old, four-year pro is clear with his message: the franchise is in good hands with or without the 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player.
"We need a guy that's going to step in and be that vocal guy in this locker room, on the practice court, in the game," Butler said. "I think that's what I'm going to have to be. Growing in this league, I'm here four years now, I got to take another leap forward, and I think that's going to be on the leadership side, not just on the court."
Butler seems to want to become the new head of the Bulls, but this kind of thing is given not demanded. In other words, his teammates must "accept" him as their new leader over Rose for his ambition to come to fruition and not just insist himself.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report indicated that Rose's leadership is not the only matter questioned by Butler but his work ethic as well.
The report said that while "Butler considers Rose a friend", he "doesn't have a lot of respect for his work ethic." The NBA's 2015 Most Improved Player is said to be offended with Rose's frequent absences and "taking things lightly" during practices.
Butler is reportedly concerned about the message it conveys to his teammates. If the team leader is allowed to take it easy during training, then all the members should also follow him?
There had been rumors of an ongoing tension between Butler and Rose because of these two issues since Chicago's Game 6 defeat in the hands of the Cavs during the recent postseason and it seems like the fire is just getting started.
