Pippen Ain't Easy
Fansided

Jimmy Butler talks Chicago Bulls, fresh start in Minnesota for Timberwolves Media Day

By Michael Whitlow

BLOOMINGTON, MN - JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, MN - JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler sat down in a one-on-one interview with NBA.com to discuss a number of things, including former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau and the Bulls themselves after the trade.

The Chicago Bulls’ rebuild began this summer when they traded three-time All-Star and former Most Improved Player award-winner Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the No. 7 overall pick that turned out to be Arizona’s Lauri Markkanen.

Friday marked the media day for the new-look Timberwolves and a lot of eyes and ears were on Butler as he officially embarked with his new franchise that includes former coach Tom Thibodeau and former teammates Taj Gibson and Aaron Brooks.

Butler sat down with NBA.com’s Steve Aschburner to discuss an array of topics, including which teams he’s most eager to watch this season. (Spoiler alert: it’s the Bulls.)

“Talk is cheap in this league and in life period,” Butler said when asked about the expectations of him being a leader of these new pack of Timberwolves that include Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. “It’s all about going on there and making things happen.”

Later on in the interview, Butler was asked about his familiarity with Thibodeau, what he can do and how he can push through and hammer home Thibodeau’s coaching points on the floor.

More from Bulls History

“A lot,” Butler said, “But, I think the most important thing is, guys have to understand: you’re going to hear Thibs’ voice … all the time. But, I might be able to put into contexta different way of what he’s trying to get across. Yeah, he’s yellin’ at you right now, but he because he wants you to really, really, really wants you to do this this way.”

So, it’s going to be like “good cop, bad cop”, right Jimmy?

“Hell, it might be more bad cop, bad cop,” Butler said with a smile.

As the discussion transitioned to more Bulls-related talk, Butler was seemingly asked if he saw the writing on the wall and if he needed this fresh start for his own.

“Definitely,” Butler said when asked if it was a good time in Chicago as a member of the Bulls. “I spent six fabulous years in Chicago, don’t get me wrong. So much love for the city, for the fans, for that organization as I’ve said time and time again … but yeah, it is time for something new. I’m excited to be here.”

Butler later said that the Wolves are “going to be a fun team to watch” this season and yes, he still has the same cell phone number he gave out at his introductory press conference with Minnesota. Kinda.

“I do have the same cell phone number,” Butler said with a smirk. “I don’t have that same cell phone number, but I have the same cell phone number.”

As the interview wound down, Butler mentioned that he’s still not much of a “Tweeter” guy (Twitter). He still is an “Instagrammer sometimes” and he doesn’t have a Snappychat either, so if you find him on there, it’s likely a fake account.

Aschburner asked Butler one final question and you have to see Butler’s response rather than read it because it’s good.

You can see a little smirk from Butler in his response and the vibe of the response feels a bit funny and has a “Well, let’s see how well you do without me” feel to the response about the Bulls, too. You can’t really blame Butler for feeling like that if he actually does either.

For the full interview with Butler, you can watch below.

It’s going to be quite weird to see him in a new uniform this season.

Home/Bulls History