Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler: ‘I think I am a point guard’
The Chicago Bulls have a former MVP starting at point guard. Soon, they could have a former most-improved player manning the position as well.
That is if Jimmy Butler, listed as a guard-forward by the team, gets his wish.
Butler, speaking with Bulls.com's Sam Smith, said he considers himself a point guard more so than any other position. The 6'7" Butler plays mostly shooting guard and small forward for Chicago, where he won the league's Most Improved Player award for the 2014-2015 season.
So could Butler soon be spelling Derrick Rose at the point? Here's what Butler had to say about why his skills translate to the position:
• MORE NBA: Players needing signature shoes | SI's Dream Team for Rio
“First off, I think I am a point guard. So I’ve done a heck of a lot of ball screen work, ball handling, getting into the paint and still handling, floaters, all that stuff point guards do. If I get a chance, high pick and roll more.
2015-16 NBA schedule: Top 50 games
I want some triple doubles. I’ve got to get my handle right so I can pass and get it to guys where they can make shots. I told Fred. You ask what position I play, I say point guard.”
In 65 games last season, all starts, Butler averaged 20 points per game on 46.2% shooting, along with 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists a game.
The Bulls open the upcoming NBA season on Oct. 27 against a team that will give Butler a challenge wherever he lines up—the Cleveland Cavaliers.
