PORTLAND — Jimmy Butler came into this season firmly planted amongst the Top 25 players in the NBA and depending on who you ask, maybe he was a bit higher.

With his play taking yet another leap after so many massive ones already, perhaps it’s time he be mentioned in a higher context.

Since he called himself out to be more aggressive following a blowout loss to the Pacers on the second half of a back-to-back, Butler’s numbers have risen. Averaging 28.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists represents one of the best stretches of his career to date.

He was asked about being ranked in the Top 10 of NBA players this season, and wasn’t shy about it.

“Do I dispute it? No. Do I believe it? Of course,” said Butler to CSNChicago.com following a morning practice at the University of Portland Wednesday. “I think you can ask people we have on this team, I walk around and say certain things I really mean.”

Things like?

“I’m not gonna tell you exactly what I say but I think you know what I’m talking about,” Butler said. “I don’t talk about it in public. But between these guys, they know how I feel, they know the way I go about the game and how I love it and how I love being better. I place myself where I place it and I hope my game continues to speak.”

The quote Butler didn’t want to say but one that has been heard by teammates more than a few times: “I’m the best (bleeping) player in the world.”

Butler’s never been one to say anyone’s better than him, and certainly his confidence is warranted. He was drenched in sweat after staying longer than anybody to get up extra shots following Wednesday’s practice and it’s no secret he considers himself a true franchise player.

[SHOP: Gear up, Bulls fans!]

If performances like these can stay to some level of consistency, it’ll be harder to deny that he belongs in the same conversation as the one-name superstars like LeBron (James), Steph (Curry), Kevin (Durant), Russell (Westbrook) and 2015-16 MVP runner-up Kawhi Leonard, the player widely regarded as the best two-way player in basketball.

“I think you look at this last stretch, averaging 29 over the last six games. He’s just doing it so many different ways,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. “We’re using him in the post, we’re using him as a facilitator. I love the 12 rebounds (Monday against the Blazers) where he’s pushing the ball down the floor without an outlet. We’re isolating him a lot. Just his overall game, you gotta give him all the credit in the world for the work ethic and everything he’s put in to make himself the complete player he is.”

His teammates are following him, probably the most understated part of this season compared to last. Butler doesn’t have to convince them he can lead them to a top spot in the Eastern Conference anymore; they see it and so far, he’s been a better teammate and the resistance this season compared to last has been nil.

“I'm surprised at how mature he is,” said Bulls forward Taj Gibson, who worked out with Butler over the summer. “He's a lot more mature than he was, as far as being how he's been with the guys, how he's communicating. He's always critiquing the game, but he's always positive. Last year, he had his times when he was questioning things, and he didn't know how to let it out. But this year, having D-Wade I think helps him a lot. And then you can learn from it and understand it. And (Team) USA helped him out big time.”

Butler doesn’t doubt the production is sustainable, as it seems like he’s found easier ways to score without being so taxed — almost like finding some secret only a few guys know and refuse to share.

“I think so. I work at that,” Butler said. “I work to catch what those guys are doing, to perform at the highest level like those guys. I take notice. I watch, I learn from those guys as much as I learn from players from the past. So I put myself in that category.”

The same category as multiple-time MVP’s and first-ballot Hall of Famers? Butler doesn’t flinch.

Privately, he chafed at the notion he couldn’t be a franchise player or that he somehow plateaued because of where he started. He simply thinks everybody else is late to the party of the Butler takeover.

“Yeah, if I go at the game with the same mentality, like Dwyane (Wade) told me, every time you step on the floor, you gotta have the mentality that you’re the best player out there,” Butler said. “You gotta be out there to prove that point every single night, every single day in practice. That’s what I’m working to be. I want to be the first guy in the gym, the last game to leave, studying film and having a killer mentality.”

Chicago, IL (October 21, 2019) – NBC Sports Chicago – THE NEW EXCLUSIVE HOME of the Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox – ushers in a brand new era of CHICAGO BULLS BASKETBALL with the most games on one network in Chicago sports history, which includes live streaming of EVERY GAME and surrounding game coverage to authenticated subscribers via NBCSportsChicago.com and the “MyTeams by NBC Sports” app (fans located anywhere in the U.S. can download MyTeams for free on iOS and Android devices in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store), along with its most expansive digital/social coverage to date and much more!

NBC Sports Chicago will carry the first of 82 regular season Bulls telecasts on Wednesday, October 23, as the Bulls travel to face the Eastern Conference rival Charlotte Hornets LIVE from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.  Expanded game night coverage begins with a special, ONE-HOUR edition of Bulls Pregame Live presented by Coors Light at 5:00 PM CT featuring NBC Sports Chicago’s new Bulls game night studio host and Chicago sports media fan favorite Jason Goff, with pregame analysis to be provided by former Bulls standouts Kendall Gill and Will Perdue, plus - fans can look forward to the latest pregame team news/player updates from Charlotte via NBC Sports Chicago’s new Bulls “Insider”/veteran NBA expert K.C. Johnson.

Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM CT on October 23 featuring Bulls play-by-play broadcasting legend Neil Funk (now in his 47th year in broadcasting and 28th announcing Chicago Bulls basketball), who recently announced he will retire at the end of the 2019-20 season.  Stacey King, three-time Bulls NBA Champion, now in his 14th season as a Bulls broadcaster, will handle analysis for every Bulls game on NBC Sports Chicago this season. (NOTE: Funk will handle play-by-play duties for every Bulls home game telecast, along with select road games. For road games Funk is absent, the Bulls plan to slot in various play-by-play announcers alongside King. The Bulls will provide an update on a substitute announcer schedule at a later date). Bulls Postgame Live presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois - featuring Goff, Gill, and Perdue - immediately follows the final buzzer featuring live post-game press conferences, live locker room player interviews, full highlights and comprehensive post-game analysis. Immediately following every edition of Bulls Postgame Live, viewers can look forward to Bulls Outsiders, featuring the hottest game night takes and spirited commentary from the always-entertaining trio of die-hard Bulls fans, Matt Peck, David Watson and John Sabine. The fan-interactive Bulls Outsiders also streams live on NBCSportsChicago.com/WatchLive and on Facebook Live (Facebook.com/NBCSChicago) and enables viewers to send in their comments and questions to the Outsiders crew.

Then, on Saturday, October 26, NBC Sports Chicago will provide Bulls fans with expanded, day-long multi-platform coverage of the HOME OPENER, as the Bulls host the defending NBA Champion Toronto Raptors; note the following complete game day/night coverage details:

(THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE AFTERNOON/EVENING) – NBC Sports Chicago’s variety of social media outlets will provide fans with a multitude of Opening Night “Sights & Sounds” moments from the United Center throughout the day/night featuring enhanced cross-platform coverage on Facebook (Facebook.com/NBCSChicago) and Twitter (@NBCSChicago & @NBCSBulls), with additional photos/quick video offerings from ‘NBCSChicago’ via Instagram and Instagram Live. In addition, fans can look forward to special pregame segments on Facebook Live and live Periscope segments on Twitter.

6:30 PM – Bulls Pregame Live presented by Coors Light – Opening Night coverage from the United Center gets underway with Bulls Pregame Live presented by Coors Light featuring host Jason Goff, along with analysts Kendall Gill, Will Perdue and Bulls “Insider” K.C. Johnson.  In addition to the up-to-the-minute pre-game updates provided by NBC Sports Chicago’s new Bulls home game sideline reporter Leila Rahimi, Bulls Pregame Live will also feature a complete player match-up breakdown, interviews with Bulls players and coaches, along with a look at all the fun and entertaining Bulls Opening Night festivities from the UC.

7:00 PM – HOME OPENER – Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors – Featuring the game call via Neil Funk and Stacey King, along with sideline reports provided by Leila Rahimi.

9:30 PM – Bulls Postgame Live presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois (time approx.) – Hosted by Goff, and featuring Gill, Perdue, and Rahimi, Bulls Postgame Live will provide fans with a thorough game recap/highlights/analysis, plus live post-game press conferences and player interviews, along with a preview of the Bulls upcoming match-ups.

10:00 PM – Bulls Outsiders (time approx.) – Hosted by Matt Peck, David Watson and John Sabine, fans can look forward to the trio’s “fans perspective” on the evening’s game, plus – fans can also submit their comments and questions to the hosts via Facebook Live (Facebook.com/NBCSChicago).

10:30 PM – Bulls vs. Toronto (game replay on NBC Sports Chicago+)

In addition, airing TONIGHT (Mon, Oct. 21) at 7:00 PM CT, Bulls fans can look forward to a special sneak preview of the 2019-20 NBA season with the Bulls Season Preview presented BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois special.  Hosted by Goff, Gill and Perdue, the Bulls Season Preview special will provide viewers with detailed season preview analysis, along with a comprehensive look at this year’s Bulls roster, including an in-depth at the rookies and new acquisitions. (NOTE: This program will also stream live on NBCSportsChicago.com/WatchLive and via the “MyTeams by NBC Sports” app)

In addition to its live stream of every NBC Sports Chicago Bulls game telecast, NBCSportsChicago.com and the “MyTeams by NBC Sports” app will also provide fans with even more exclusive Bulls content throughout the season including the following:

• K.C. JOHNSON – One of the most respected NBA beat reporters in the nation and a Bulls beat veteran for close to two decades, Johnson joins NBC Sports Chicago as its new Bulls “Insider and will provide in-depth Bulls coverage on NBCSportsChicago.com and the “MyTeams by NBC Sports” app all season long. Johnson can be followed on Twitter at @KCJHoop.
• MARK SCHANOWSKI – NBC Sports Chicago’s veteran Bulls/NBA expert will continue to provide Bulls fans with feature stories and analysis all season long on a variety of NBC Sports Chicago platforms. Schanowski can be followed on Twitter at @MarkSchanowski.
• NBCSportsChicago.com will stream EVERY Bulls postgame press conference LIVE - providing insider access to head coach Jim Boylen addressing the media as it happens as part of the “Bulls Postgame Live” stream.
• Video highlights from every Bulls game, including in-game highlights at halftime, as well as extensive post-game reaction from the locker room and analysis from the “Bulls Postgame Live” team.
• “Bulls Talk PODCAST” (presented by Coors Light) – Featuring NBC Sports Chicago’s Jason Goff, Kendall Gill, Will Perdue, K.C. Johnson, and an array of special guests, NBC Sports Chicago’s popular “Bulls Talk” podcast features in-depth Bulls discussion on the hottest topics and breaking news throughout the season. Fans can download all of NBC Sports Chicago’s podcasts (including the “Bulls Outsiders” podcast) at NBCSportsChicago.com/podcasts and simply subscribe to them via Apple Podcasts, Google Play or Stitcher.  The podcasts can be played on any mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer.
• Bulls Talk (NBCSportsChicago.com/Bulls) - NBCSportsChicago.com’s high-velocity, real-time, comprehensive Bulls news, video features, recaps/previews, and original commentary section, features continually updated insights from the network’s talent, which includes the “Bulls Talk PODCAST.”

• Twitter - Fans are also urged to follow @NBCSBulls on Twitter for full team coverage, #AuthenticFan Night updates, fan photos and game day news throughout the 2019-20 NBA campaign.
• Facebook & Instagram - Fans can also follow and connect with NBC Sports Chicago’s extensive Bulls coverage on Facebook (including numerous “Facebook Live” segments with NBC Sports Chicago talent), Instagram and Instagram Stories at ‘NBCSChicago’

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO

NBCSportsChicago.com/”MyTeams by NBC Sports” app

2019 - 2020 Chicago Bulls Schedule

REGULAR SEASON

1. Wed, Oct 23         6:00 pm        @ Charlotte                         SEASON OPENER!
2. Fri, Oct 25            7:00 pm        @ Memphis
3. Sat, Oct 26           7:00 pm        vs. Toronto                          HOME OPENER!
4. Mon, Oct 28         6:00 pm        @ New York
5. Wed, Oct 30         6:00 pm        @ Cleveland
6. Fri, Nov 1             7:00 pm        vs. Detroit
7. Sun, Nov 3           4:00 pm        @ Indiana
8. Tue, Nov 5           7:00 pm        vs. Los Angeles Lakers
9. Wed, Nov 6          6:30 pm        @ Atlanta
10. Sat, Nov 9            7:00 pm        vs. Houston                         NBCSCH+
11. Tue, Nov 12         7:00 pm        vs. New York
12. Thu, Nov 14         7:00 pm        @ Milwaukee
13. Sat, Nov 16          5:00 pm        vs. Brooklyn
14. Mon, Nov 18         7:00 pm        vs. Milwaukee
15. Wed, Nov 20        7:00 pm        vs. Detroit
16. Fri, Nov 22           7:00 pm        vs. Miami
17. Sat, Nov 23          6:00 pm        @ Charlotte                         NBCSCH+
18. Mon, Nov 25         7:00 pm        vs. Portland
19. Wed, Nov 27        9:30 pm        @ Golden State
20. Fri, Nov 29           9:00 pm        @ Portland
21. Mon, Dec 2           9:00 pm        @ Sacramento                    NBCSCH+
22. Wed, Dec 4          7:00 pm        vs. Memphis
23. Fri, Dec 6             7:00 pm        vs. Golden State
24. Sun, Dec 8           5:00 pm        @ Miami                             NBCSCH+
25. Mon, Dec 9           7:00 pm        vs. Toronto
26. Wed, Dec 11        7:00 pm        vs. Atlanta
27. Fri, Dec 13           7:00 pm        vs. Charlotte
28. Sat, Dec 14          7:00 pm        vs. Los Angeles Clippers     
29. Mon, Dec 16         7:00 pm        @ Oklahoma City
30. Wed, Dec 18        6:00 pm        @ Washington
31. Sat, Dec 21          6:00 pm        @ Detroit
32. Mon, Dec 23         6:00 pm        @ Orlando                          NBCSCH+
33. Sat, Dec 28          7:00 pm        vs. Atlanta
34. Mon, Dec 30         7:00 pm        vs. Milwaukee
35. Thu, Jan 2            7:00 pm        vs. Utah
36. Sat, Jan 4             7:00 pm        vs. Boston
37. Mon, Jan 6           7:30 pm        @ Dallas
38. Wed, Jan 8           7:00 pm        @ New Orleans
39. Fri, Jan 10            7:00 pm        vs. Indiana
40. Sat, Jan 11           6:00 pm        @ Detroit
41. Mon, Jan 13         6:30 pm        @ Boston
42. Wed, Jan 15         7:00 pm        vs. Washington                    NBCSCH+
43. Fri, Jan 17            6:00 pm        @ Philadelphia                    
44. Sat, Jan 18           7:00 pm        vs. Cleveland                       NBCSCH+
45. Mon, Jan 20         4:00 pm        @ Milwaukee
46. Wed, Jan 22         7:00 pm        vs. Minnesota
47. Fri, Jan 24            7:00 pm        vs. Sacramento
48. Sat, Jan 25           7:00 pm        @ Cleveland
49. Mon, Jan 27         7:00 pm        vs. San Antonio
50. Wed, Jan 29         6:00 pm        @ Indiana
51. Fri, Jan 31            6:30 pm        @ Brooklyn
52. Sun, Feb 2           2:00 pm        @ Toronto
53. Thu, Feb 6           7:00 pm        vs. New Orleans
54. Sun, Feb 9           5:00 pm        @ Philadelphia
55. Tue, Feb 11          6:00 pm        @ Washington
56. Thu, Feb 20          7:00 pm        vs. Charlotte
57. Sat, Feb 22          7:00 pm        vs. Phoenix
58. Sun, Feb 23         6:00 pm        vs. Washington
59. Tue, Feb 25          7:00 pm        vs. Oklahoma City
60. Sat, Feb 29          4:00 pm        @ New York
61. Mon, Mar 2           7:00 pm        vs. Dallas
62. Wed, Mar 4          7:00 pm        @ Minnesota
63. Fri, Mar 6             7:00 pm        vs. Indiana                           NBCSCH+
64. Sun, Mar 8           2:00 pm        @ Brooklyn
65. Tue, Mar 10          7:00 pm        vs. Cleveland
66. Thu, Mar 12          6:00 pm        @ Orlando
67. Sat, Mar 14          7:00 pm        @ Miami                             NBCSCH+
68. Sun, Mar 15         7:00 pm        vs. Boston
69. Wed, Mar 18        7:00 pm        vs. Miami
70. Fri, Mar 20           7:30 pm        @ San Antonio
71. Sat, Mar 21          7:00 pm        @ Houston
72. Mon, Mar 23         7:00 pm        vs. Denver
73. Thu, Mar 26          7:00 pm        vs. Philadelphia
74. Sat, Mar 28          7:00 pm        vs. New York
75. Mon, Mar 30         8:00 pm        @ Utah
76. Fri, Apr 3              8:00 pm        @ Denver
77. Sun, Apr 5            5:00 pm        @ Phoenix
78. Tue, Apr 7            9:30 pm        @ Los Angeles Lakers
79. Wed, Apr 8           9:30 pm        @ Los Angeles Clippers
80. Sat, Apr 11           7:00 pm        vs. Brooklyn
81. Mon, Apr 13         7:00 pm        vs. Orlando
82. Wed, Apr 15         6:30 pm        @ Boston

41 Home, 41 Road regular season games

Total: 82 games

NBCSCH+ (NBC Sports Chicago Plus) – please visit NBCSportsChicago.com/channel-finder for channel location information

All Times Central Time

Schedule Subject to Change

NBC Sports Chicago, a partnership between the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago White Sox (MLB) and the NBC Sports Group, features over 275 live pro games in high definition each year.  In addition, NBC Sports Chicago delivers extensive pre/post-game coverage for its core pro team partners, as well as Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs multi-platform coverage, plus - local sports discussion programs that includes SportsTalk Live, and massive cross-platform coverage provided by the network’s growing digital platform, NBCSportsChicago.com, the “MyTeams by NBC Sports” app, and its variety of fan-focused social media outlets. Fans can follow the network on Twitter via @NBCSChicago.  

NBC Sports Regional Networks is NBC Sports Group’s portfolio of nine regional networks that delivers more than 2,200 live sporting events and original content to more than 35 million homes. Aligned within Eastern and Western Divisions, the NBC Sports Regional Networks are: NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBC Sports Philadelphia +, NBC Sports Washington, NBC Sports Washington + and SNY; and NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Chicago/NBC Sports Chicago+, and NBC Sports Northwest. For more information on NBC Sports Group properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios, headshots and logos, please visit www.NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

####

Basketball is back, and there is some actual excitement surrounding the Bulls and their young core.

The NBA season starts on Tuesday night and before tipoff, look ahead to the 2019-20 season by watching the NBA Preview Show, which will stream exclusively in the MyTeams App starting at 3 p.m. CT.

Fans can submit questions on social media using the hashtag #NBAtipoffNBC and we will get answers on the show.

Our own Bulls Insider K.C. Johnson national NBA Insider Tom Haberstroh to talk about the Bulls' outlook this season. Specifically, can the team make the jump to the playoffs? Will Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen break out as stars this year?

Here's how you can watch NBC Sports' NBA Season Preview Show online:

DATE: Tuesday, October 22, 2019
TIME: 3 p.m. CT
WHERE: MyTeams App

The Bulls open the season on Wednesday night, at 6 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago.