Chicago Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler has had an interesting summer, to say the least. The All-Star has new teammates in former NBA champions Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. However, he is currently practicing with his new teammates for this summer only - the United States Olympic basketball team, of which he was named as a member.
Prior to Thursday's practice in Chicago, Butler could not contain his excitement when he talked about how it was to be a member of the national team. "I'm excited. I know they are as well," Butler said with reference to his USA teammates.
He relayed how he was able to enjoy bonding with his teammates and getting to know them personally, not only as basketball players and league opponents. Draymond Green's Snapchat account even showed videos of Butler singing along with Kyrie Irving in the team plane.
Butler also received praises from some of his USA teammates, with regard to his basketball ability. Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson called Butler a "workhorse" and said that he was "one of the best wings in the game," as stated in a report from The Times.
The swingman was also commended by USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski and assistant Tom Thibodeau, who was his former coach in the Bulls. Krzyzewski called Butler an "outstanding competitor" and a versatile player, capable of defending any position on the floor. Thibodeau detailed how he saw Butler grow from his rookie season to where he is now, calling it a testament to Butler's relentless work ethic.
Butler started the exhibition game played versus Venezuela in Chicago on Friday. Every time Butler's name was announced by the public address speaker, he received cheers from the hometown Bulls fans. Butler scored four points and grabbed eight rebounds in the USA's 80-45 win.
Butler was interviewed after the game by Chicago media and was asked about his role with next season's Bulls. He said that Wade told him to step up and be the leader of the Bulls, according to CSNChicago.com. He went on to say that he will do everything it takes to win a championship, including listening to his two veteran teammates when they hold him accountable.
Below are the highlights of the USA-Venezuela exhibition game played in front of the Bulls fans.