Bad News: Bulls famous player said: ‘Well then f—k you,…..’ to Head Coach.

The anecdote shared by Michael Carter-Williams provides a glimpse into Jimmy Butler’s uncompromising personality during his tenure with the Chicago Bulls in the 2016-17 NBA season.

Butler’s direct confrontation with head coach Fred Hoiberg highlights his willingness to speak candidly, regardless of potential consequences.

The incident occurred during a team meeting amidst a turbulent period for the Bulls. Coach Hoiberg, attempting to address the team’s issues, directly engaged Butler, prompting the blunt response from the forward. According to Carter-Williams, Butler told Hoiberg,

“Well one, I think you’re soft. Two, I don’t like you,” before being interrupted by Hoiberg’s profanity-laced retort. This exchange underscores Butler’s forthright nature, a characteristic that has defined much of his career.

During the 2016-17 season, Carter-Williams played 45 games for the Bulls, starting in 19, and averaged 6.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. The team, led by the trio of Butler, Rajon Rondo, and Dwyane Wade, finished with a 41-41 record.

They faced the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs and surprisingly won the first two games on the road. However, Rondo’s injury after Game 2 drastically affected their performance, leading to the Bulls losing the series in six games. Butler’s contributions were significant, averaging 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game during the series.

The 2016-17 season was Butler’s last with the Bulls before he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and a draft pick that became Lauri Markkanen. This move marked the beginning of Butler’s journey through multiple teams, but his assertive and outspoken nature remained a constant throughout his career.

Carter-Williams’ recounting of Butler’s confrontation with Hoiberg illustrates Butler’s strong-willed character and refusal to shy away from expressing his views, traits that have made him both a respected and controversial figure in the NBA.