Former Chicago Bulls Player Shares Shocking Jimmy Butler Story.
Jimmy Butler is well-known for his outspoken nature in the NBA, unafraid to call out players or coaches with his take-it-or-leave-it attitude. While this can lead to intense moments, it is a double-edged sword.
Former NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams shared an incredible story about Butler from their time together on the Chicago Bulls during the 2016-17 season. On Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s Thanalysis Show podcast, Carter-Williams recounted a moment when Butler confronted then-Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg.
Carter-Williams described that season as the craziest he’s ever experienced, mentioning the poor locker room atmosphere and Butler’s strong dislike for Hoiberg, whom Butler called “soft.”
“‘One, I think you’re soft. Two, I don’t like you.’ He didn’t even get to three,” Carter-Williams recalled.
Following Butler’s outburst, Hoiberg responded with “f**k you,” leading to a heated exchange between them.
The 2016-17 Chicago Bulls finished the season with a 41-41 record, falling short of expectations. Despite a roster featuring Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo, Nikola Mirotic, Robin Lopez, and Taj Gibson, they lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Boston Celtics, 4-2.