Chicago Bulls: Takeaways From Preseason Opener

Jimmy Butler is still Jimmy Butler

During the first week of training camp, it was reported that Butler was setting the tone for his teammates. Not only did he arrive into camp in great shape, but he was also playing aggressively at both ends of the floor–something that didn’t go unnoticed by his new head coach, per CSN Chicago’s Vincent Goodwill:

"“He’s probably in the best shape of anybody out here. He’s all over the floor, offensively, defensively. There aren’t a lot of two-way players in this league but he’s definitely one of them.”"

Like he did on numerous occasions last season, Butler stepped up for a short-handed Bulls squad that was without Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson. And in just 25 minutes of action, Butler poured in 23 points on an efficient 7-for-12 shooting from the floor and he converted eight of his 12 free throw attempts. Butler also handed out six assists to go along with three rebounds.

So whether it is the first game of the preseason or the playoffs, Butler consistently plays with maximum effort. This is just one of the many reasons why he will lead the team in scoring for the second straight year.

Next: Bobby Portis Solid In Preseason Debut