Bulls' Butler wants 'ovation' in Chicago as Team USA starter
On Tuesday night, fans at Oracle Arena cheered on the Golden State Warriors trio of Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green in their exhibition game against China as members of Team USA.
Jimmy Butler is hoping to get a similar reception Friday night when USA takes on Venezuela at United Center.
"Playing in front of my hometown fans, I'm hoping to get an ovation like those guys (in Oakland)," the Chicago Bulls star told Dave Del Grande of USAB.com.
Head coach Mike Krzyzewski has made a point to start players who are either based in or play in the showcase's host cities, meaning Butler will draw his first start Friday.
The All-Star swingman is excited to get some more burn. In three contests, he's totaled just eight points in 44 minutes off the bench. He's also excited about showing the squad around the Windy City.
"I guess dinner's on me," he said.