Chicago Bulls: Jimmy Butler Has A Shot At Superstardom

The Mentor

As an individual player, Dwyane Wade has carved out a Hall of Fame career. As a leader, he’s become a three-time NBA champion who consistently stepped up in the clutch and elevated those around him.

Jimmy Butler will now have the honor of picking Wade’s brain. Wade has already embraced his role as a mentor.

Per CSN Chicago, Wade left no doubt about the fact that the Bulls are Butler’s team.

"“We’re not going to go through this all year. This is Jimmy Butler’s team,” Wade said. “This is a guy I’ve known since Marquette University, that I have a tremendous amount of respect for. And as much as Gar (Forman) and John Paxson and everyone did an amazing job of making sure this could happen, this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Jimmy Butler. Jimmy Butler called me and told me he wanted me here, and that was huge because at the time I didn’t know."

That’s a powerful statement.

Butler and Wade are both shooting guards who made the jump from Marquette University to the NBA. Much as Wade did in his earlier years, Butler plays a high number of minutes and contributes in every phase of the game.

What Wade can teach Butler ranges well beyond statistical improvement and fundamental polish.

Wade can help Butler improve his post game and creativity as a slasher. Much bigger than the skill set is the winner’s mentality and wealth of postseason experience that Wade brings to Chicago.

Wade is a three-time NBA champion with a Finals MVP award, five NBA Finals appearances, and 166 postseason games played.

He’s also a consummate professional, a first ballot Hall of Famer, and a willing mentor who helped LeBron James develop into the postseason player he’s become.

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Jimmy Butler was on a star trajectory before, but these latest developments could push him into superstar territory.