Skip to content

Bulls' Butler wants Hoiberg to set example of him this season

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler has a special request for Fred Hoiberg this season.

In an effort to become a better leader, Butler is asking for his head coach to use him as an example in the hopes that his coachability rubs off on some of the Bulls' youngsters.

"I told Fred, 'As much as you can, use me as an example. I want you to really get on my tail about every little thing,'" Butler told CSNChicago's Vincent Goodwill. "Because if Doug (McDermott) or Tony (Snell) or whoever it may be is watching coach talk to me like that, it's going to be like, 'If he can talk to Jimmy like that, I know he's going to come at me a certain way.' That's what I try to remind him every day. I think he's ready for that. I'm a player. I'm coachable like everybody else. I want that. I need that."

Related: Bulls' Hoiberg: 'I don't see any issues with Jimmy Butler and I'

Butler's relationship with his head coach took a turn for the worse last season after he publicly criticized Hoiberg for being too laid back following a blowout defeat to the New York Knicks. The pair have since worked to mend their personal differences, and appear to be on the same page entering the upcoming season.

Chicago will tip off their new season on Oct. 27 against the Boston Celtics.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox