The Bulls reportedly believe Jimmy Butler has changed as he has emerged into stardom.
Where would they get that idea?
Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago:
Jimmy Butler at USAB practice: "I don’t think I have a chip on my shoulder. I don’t think I have too much to prove like back in the day."
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) July 28, 2016
Butler: "That doesn’t mean I don’t work hard or anything. I just think I go about things a little differently."
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) July 28, 2016
This is mostly semantic. If Butler -- who began his college career at a junior college and was drafted No. 30 -- feels he no longer has a chip on his shoulder, that’s how he feels. What is he supposed to do about that? As long as he continues to work hard and finds new sources of motivation, he’ll be fine.
It’s just an unconventional approach. Most players, even once they find success, talk about continuing to be motivated by earlier slights.
Having a chip on his shoulder got Butler far, so it’s a little unnerving to see him switch from a mindset that worked. But people change -- sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Chicago has little option but to ride it out as Butler finds himself.
