Chicago Bulls: Work Ethic Reigns In Chicago

So, you know how I complained in my last post about the lack of time that I have had to watch the Chicago Bulls this preseason? Well, that frustration has been completely alleviated because I watched the Bulls-Nuggets game on Monday in its entirety and the Bulls played well and produced a satisfying ending result.

Looking half asleep and down by 21 points in the 2nd quarter, the Chicago Bulls erased this deficit by the half behind their turned up suffocating defense. From there, the Bulls cruised to victory, putting together a solid second half culminated by a 110-90 victory.

Of course, the old crusty coach wasn’t close to being pleased with his teams’ performance, and was very critical of the Chicago Bull’s play in his post-game interview with the media.

"“We’re evaluating everything, so it’s not only the rookies, it’s the entire team,” Thibodeau said. “We have to determine who we’re going to start with, who we’re going to finish with, who can handle playing, what’s the group doing that’s on the floor, who’s functioning well together, who has their game sharp. When you’re watching the film after you see that there’s a lot of things that are not acceptable and we got to get those corrected.”"

Even Derrick Rose hasn’t escaped the critical eye of his perfectionist coach.

"“The thing is, in order for {Derrick} to get his timing he’s got to play and he’s got to work,” Thibodeau said. “Right now, his timing’s not there. So it’s a big adjustment for everyone because everyone has to get used to what he does on the floor. And the only way you can do that is by being out there. So we’ll see.” Oct 11, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts during pre-season against the Milwaukee Bucks in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports"

There is one player that comes to mind that may not be included in Thibodeau’s criticism of this team. This player has been the best player for the Chicago Bulls thus far this preseason, and no it isn’t Rose. It isn’t Noah; he has hardly played. Gasol has played well but he isn’t the man I have in mind. McDermott and Mirotic have done some good things out there, but both players have made a lot of rookie mistakes.

The player that I am talking about is Jimmy G. Buckets (the G stands for gets) formerly known as Jimmy Butler. from Marquette University. He continues to play elite level defense; guarding the best player on the opposing team night-in and night out. He has showed toughness—the Wizards looked like they were targeting him in the first preseason game. But, most impressively, is the evolution of his offensive game. The same Jimmy Butler that couldn’t hit the broad-side of a barnyard with his jump-shot last season has been the Bull’s leading scorer in 2 out of the 4 preseason games thus far (his 18 points against Milwaukee was 2nd on the team by 2 points). Part of the vast improvement stems from his better shot selection (he’s being aggressive attacking the basket) but this doesn’t take away from the fact that Jimmy is stroking his mid-range jumper. It is a 4 game sample size, but the improvement only breeds optimism for things to come.

Oct 13, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo (10) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

So, what gives? When did Jimmy Butler learn how to shoot? Did he wake up one day and his jump shot was suddenly much improved?

No, Jimmy Butler improved simply by working as hard as he could on his jump-shot. Butler told Chicago Tribune reporter K.C. Johnson that he didn’t have cable in his summer residence so he simply stayed in the gym all-day every-day working on his jump shot. The work ethic of Butler applies to many players on the Chicago Bulls and explains why this team is going to be special this year.

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Remember when Taj Gibson was labeled an energy guy best known for his exclamatory dunks. He was deemed the ‘human exclamation point’ by fans. Well, seems like Taj Gibson got tired of this limiting label, and took it upon himself to expand his game to become more of a complete player. Before last season, Gibson reverted to the internet, in an attempt to pattern his game off of 4 time NBA All-star Bernard King.

Apparently, Gibson worked pretty hard on his offensive game during that off-season. The following season, Gibson transformed from a solid role player to a complete bench player that was snubbed of the 6th man of the year award last season. He developed a full repertoire of post moves that made him a borderline prolific scorer from inside the paint. Additionally, his mid-range jump shot vastly improved after his productive off-season making him a dual threat power forward with deceptively good range. Oh yeah, he didn’t lose the “WOW” factor plays either; he produced a litany of plays worthy of a SportsCenter Top 10 plays countdown last season.

For the other young whipper-snappers like myself; here is a highlight video of Bernard King, the player that Gibson patterned his game off of two off-seasons ago.

Hard work. Work Ethic. Butler has it, Gibson does too. Who else?

Joakim Noah followed a somewhat similar path as Gibson over his career. He evolved from a high-energy hustle player to a first team All-NBA selection. How did he do this? Hard work! That jump shot that exponentially improved as his career progressed was mastered by taking thousands of jump shots in the gym. Like Gibson, Noah has post moves that he uses to his advantage. How about that left hand (his offhand). Early in his career, there was no chance that Noah could consistently drive from the top of the key and finish with his left or do that little left handed hook shot that he does so well. Hard work produced that.

And how about Derrick Rose? Imagine all the hard work that he had to put in to come back from two major knee surgeries.

The point I’m trying to hammer home, is that the Bulls have completely bought into the idea of winning a championship. I cited four examples of players that worked their butts off to improve a certain facet of their game, but I honestly could probably come up with stories of great work ethic from every play on this entire team. Winning championships takes sacrifice; it requires players being on the same page and doing the things that they need to do to improve every single season.

The Chicago Bulls are a special team. The work ethic of their players reiterates the players’ collective focus on winning a championship this season. Go Bulls.