Chicago Bulls Rumors: Jimmy Butler Calls Out His Coach, Tells Him to Coach Harder
Despite losing in several games this season where they were expected to win convincingly, the Chicago Bulls are still without a doubt a top-tier team and legitimate contender in the East. But after losing to the Detroit Pistons in a quadruple overtime game and then dropping another one in a blowout against the New York Knicks, the team certainly has its nerves tested.
With the two straight losses, not to mention the mental and physical fatigue, it should be normal to see one team in disarray and players pointing fingers. But in Chicago, the case is quite unique because the head coach is apparently called out by one of his star players.
Forward Jimmy Butler didn't hold back in calling out his rookie coach, Fred Hoiberg, after the loss to the Knicks, dropping the Bulls 15-10 in the standings. The 26-year-old said after the game that the laid-back attitude of his coach is ineffective.
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Basketball observers have seen this from Butler, speaking out his mind on issues involving his team, especially when they're losing. Obviously, he's entitled to say what he wants after getting the team's "star" status with a five-year extension worth $95 million. Well, it just might be all about the spirit of winning.
"I believe in the guys in this locker room, yeah, but I also believe that we probably have to be coached a lot harder at times," Butler said, obviously taking a shot at how Hoiberg is coaching the team. "I'm sorry, I know that Fred's a laid-back guy, and I really respect him for that. But when guys aren't doing what they're supposed to do, you gotta get on guys, myself included," the opinionated star added.
But Chicago's recent struggles aren't just about Hoiberg being too nice out there. The team isn't a hundred percent yet, with Pau Gasol and Doug McDermott having to play through separate injuries in those two games. Because of that, the coach had to give in more time to the second unit, and the sad thing is they didn't respond that well.
It also should be considered that Hoiberg's entry into this organization isn't expected to be smooth and perfect, especially with the fact that players have to deal with a new and entirely different system to that of Tom Thibodeau, who steered the Bulls to five seasons of stricter and a more defense-oriented system.
