Jimmy Butler Comments on Tom Thibodeau, Bulls' Struggles and More

Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler isn't pointing any fingers for his team's failure to reach the playoffs after making seven straight trips to the postseason.   

"I'm the reason that we did not make the playoffs," Butler said Wednesday in an interview with the Chicago Tribune's Teddy Greenstein. "I'm fine with that. I'm not happy with it, but I'm fine with it. Because it's only going to make me stronger and better."

The two-time All-Star said he wasn't "consistent enough," which to a certain extent is true. Although his scoring average rose nearly a point (20.9 PPG) from last year (20.0 PPG), his shooting percentage dipped from 46.2 percent in 2014-15 to 45.5 percent in 2015-16. His three-point percentage also fell from 37.8 percent to 31.1 percent.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune seemed to hint at some of the discontent around the team's leading scorer:

It would be unfair to blame the Bulls' downturn solely on Butler, though. According to NBA.com, Chicago had a minus-0.8 net rating per 100 possessions when he was on the floor compared to a minus-3.4 net rating when he was out.

The on-court relationship between Butler and Derrick Rose will have to improve, though, and Butler himself appeared to agree when he told Greenstein that he and Rose plan on working out together this offseason, echoing statements he made earlier to the Chicago Sun-Times.  

Especially after Wednesday, Butler and the Bulls will be scrutinized even more next year. The Minnesota Timberwolves announced they hired Tom Thibodeau as head coach and president of basketball operations.

Butler said he's "happy" for his former coach, per Greenstein, adding, "He knows what he's doing. He's very smart. He studies the game. And he'll do whatever it takes to win."

Any success the T-Wolves have will be immediately compared to the Bulls' fortunes. Should Chicago continue sliding, criticism around Fred Hoiberg's coaching and Butler's performance and leadership will only grow louder.