Jimmy Butler/Bulls Preseason game

[Zar Zar Binks]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-brewer-will-start-at-shooting-guard-vs-pacers-20111216,0,6274444.story

Thibodeau also said rookie Jimmy Butler would play extensively, assuming he avoids foul trouble of course.

"He's learning how to be a pro," Thibodeau said of Butler. "He has a great demeanor, excellent attitude and approach to the game. He has a lot to learn. But he's moving in the right direction."

Butler said he's both excited and nervous for his NBA debut.

"It's always go hard, though," Butler said. "Go hard in practice, go hard in games, go hard in everything you do. Take no possessions off and be a great teammate. Preseason game, practice, shootaround, all of that counts toward going hard."


Can't remember the last time I was this excited for ANY pre-season game.

[PaintTouches]

Completely agree. Die hard Bulls fan since moving to the U.S. and because of Butler, this is the most excited I've ever been for a meaningless game.

On a side note, do any Scoopers frequent the Bulls blog Blog-a-Bull? I ask because there's been some pretty nice things said about JFB on there and I was wondering if they were coming from MU fans or just Bulls fans in general.

"It's Rip's introduction tonight but I bet it's Jimmy Butler who turns some heads."

"At the very least we get to see him play. I for one am excited about that. I don't have expectations for him, but you never know."

"yep Jimmy Tyme"

http://www.blogabull.com/2011/12/15/2639878/richard-rip-hamilton-Bulls-free-agent-shooting-guard-first-practice-media-quotes#comments

[boyonthedock]

I frequent blogabull under this same handle. I try to temper talking up JB too much, but I did spend the whole lockout posting "Marquette Fever: Contract It!" to anyone wondering what to do with their lives.

[tower912]

Signing Rip Hamilton did nothing to help JFB get minutes this year.   Hopefully, though, he continues to learn his craft and what it takes to be a pro.   I can see a Bowen-like career for him, though not instant stardom.

[RyanConroy]

Game is underway. No JFB sighting with four minutes left in the 1st quarter, but some Bulls are in foul trouble, so he may see action in the 2nd quarter.

[MileHigh]

JFB about to check in. Go Jimmy!

[RyanConroy]

Ah, went to a commercial break and he ended up not coming in.

Now he's in!

[RyanConroy]

Nailed a a 15 foot pull up on his first offensive possession! Maybe a small unintentional bank involved  

And another 15 footer, this one from the baseline. No hesitation at all, he looks comfortable early.

Found himself in the right place to intercept a Jeff Foster pass out of the post, he'll be credited with a steal.

Playing very solid defense.

Beautiful drive and finish. 3/3 from the field! I would imagine the Bulls couldn't be much more pleased with his performance so far.

[Windyplayer]

Nailed a a 15 foot pull up on his first offensive possession! Maybe a small unintentional bank involved  

And another 15 footer, this one from the baseline. No hesitation at all, he looks comfortable early.

Found himself in the right place to intercept a Jeff Foster pass out of the post, he'll be credited with a steal.

Playing very solid defense.

Beautiful drive and finish. 3/3 from the field! I would imagine the Bulls couldn't be much more pleased with his performance so far.

Great Start. He looks comfortable out there and it's showing in the box score.

[Slim]

"I tell  you did what. I like  that Jim
my  Butler ":

[TomW1365]

Jimmy Butler had a hell of a debut for the Bulls so far... perfect from the field w/ 6 pts and a steal.  Playing tight D while sticking w/ his guy.

[RyanConroy]

Has a +11 in only 7 minutes played. The Bulls have played their best basketball with him in there.

[chren21]

Long drive enjoying the game on 1000. Chuck n Bill have nothing but great things to say about him

[Markusquette]

Looks like a great game by Jimmy.  3-3, +23 differential best in the game.  2-4 from the line but nice overall.  I didn't see any, but sounds like a good start.

[Lennys Tap]

Stacy King (Bull's color commentator) was effusive in his praise for JFB. Said multiple times that Jimmy didn't play like a rookie and that the Bulls were going to be very happy with him. 

[lurch91]

Looked and played like he belongs.  He got a nice good run in the second quarter, most of it with Rose, Noah, Korver and Boozer on the floor with him.

[sailwi]

Trib article on the game, nice words for JB.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-spt-1217-bulls-pacers-chicago--20111217,0,7109731.story

[lab_warrior]

 I can see a Bowen-like career for him, though not instant stardom.

I agree with you on principle, that seems like the role that JFB will play at the NBA level, solid defender, can score if needed, great all-around game that will complement a team with 2-3 superstar players. 

Having said that, in no way do I want JFB turning into a dirty, scumbag, flop artist like Bruce Bowen.

[brewcity77]

Great write-up from ESPN Chicago's Nick Friedell on Butler:

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/6216/butlers-debut-has-bulls-buzzing

Sounds like after one game, at least, they're really happy with him.

[Golden Avalanche]

Good news for Jimmy that the Bulls dropped Bogans, right?

[jsglow]

I watched the entire game here in Chicago.  (Can't remember the last time I ever watched pre-season NBA basketball.)

Bottom line, Jimmy played a fantastic game and will certainly contribute on a Bulls team that is a legitimate threat to win a championship.  I haven't studied the rotations but Jimmy will get real second quarter minutes at the 2-3 position.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

I watched the entire game here in Chicago.  (Can't remember the last time I ever watched pre-season NBA basketball.)

Bottom line, Jimmy played a fantastic game and will certainly contribute on a Bulls team that is a legitimate threat to win a championship.  I haven't studied the rotations but Jimmy will get real second quarter minutes at the 2-3 position.

I hope you're right, but let's keep in mind that the Bulls are very deep. Rip Hamilton didn't play and I believe Jimmy will be behind Rip and Brewer at the 2 and Deng and Korver at the 3. I just hope he gets meaningful minutes.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

Last year Luol Deng played the third most minutes in the league. There was a lot of concern that he would break down as he's had injury issues in the past. With a shorter more intense season this season I would think that the Bulls would love if they could use Jimmy to spell Luol more. The only real other options they have at the three are Brewer and Taj, and really those two are better suited at the 2 and the 4 respectively.

Keep working hard on D Jimmy and Thibs will have you on the floor.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

I hope you're right, but let's keep in mind that the Bulls are very deep. Rip Hamilton didn't play and I believe Jimmy will be behind Rip and Brewer at the 2 and Deng and Korver at the 3. I just hope he gets meaningful minutes.

Korver is a 2 only, he can't defend the 3.

[MuMark]

"I told you he can play," Rose said. "He's young but has a quiet confidence. He can defend, plays smart. He's one of the pieces I think Coach is going to use a lot."

In a normal season, such a thought would be laughable. However, with such a compressed schedule, Butler could be used for spot defensive minutes. The first-round pick, who admitted to nerves, has the right approach.

"It's always go hard," he said. "Go hard in practice, go hard in games, go hard in everything you do. Take no possessions off and be a great teammate."