PORTLAND, Ore. _ Jimmy Butler's numbers aren't the only part of his All-Star game that has improved. According to Bulls teammate Taj Gibson, his leadership has too.
"I'm surprised at how mature he is," Gibson said. "He's a lot more mature as far as how he's been with the guys, how he's communicating. He's always critiquing the game, but he's always positive.
"Last year, he had his times where he was a little frustrated and he didn't know how to let out. This year, having (Dwyane) Wade helps him a lot. He can learn from him. He can understand. And USA (Basketball) helped him out big time."
Butler admitted Wade has helped him.
"I'm talking to D-Wade before (Tuesday's) game and he's talking about how I have to approach the game, go out with the killer instinct, make them adjust to you," Butler said. "Go out and show why you're one of the best players on the floor. If it's coming from him, there's got to be some truth to it."
Butler has averaged 28.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists in the five games since he called himself out after a road loss to the Pacers. He has made 50 of 54 free throws. The Bulls are 4-1 in that stretch.
"He's doing it in so many different ways," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "We're using him in the post. We're using him as a facilitator. We're using him in middle ball-screen situations. And we're isolating him a lot.
"You have to give him all the credit in the world for the work ethic and everything he's put in to make him such a complete player. I'd put him up against anybody in the league as far as one of the top two-way players in the game."
