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Jimmy Butler reveals why the Derrick Rose-led Chicago Bulls squad didn't achieve much success
The 2015-2016 Chicago Bulls squad had a staggering amount of talent and experience that underachieved that season. That team had former league MVP Derrick Rose, All-Stars Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol, and Joakim Noah.
However, the Bulls finished with a 40-42 record, ending ninth in the Eastern Conference. Butler, who led the team in scoring that season with 20.9 points per game, explained what went on behind the scenes of that disastrous campaign.
Different visions
While there wasn't any off-court drama, Butler said several players had wanted to put their best foot forward every night rather than step in line with the system implemented by head coach Fred Hoiberg.
At the time, Rose was still trying to rediscover the pep in his step that made him one of the NBA's most lethal guards until an ACL injury derailed his ascent. Noah, on the other hand, had been hampered by numerous injuries brought about by the accumulation of minutes and mileage on his body.
"I don't think guys had different visions on what it took to win. I don't think everybody was on the same page, truthfully, for what guys' roles was going to be," Butler said.
Chemistry was off
Chemistry is an underrated aspect of success for any team, and it was evident in the Bulls' play at the time. When the dust settled, Rose was traded away to the New York Knicks in the offseason.
Noah, who played 29 games that season, was let go as a free agent and wound up following Rose in New York. Gasol also moved to San Antonio to join Gregg Popovich and the Spurs.
"That's what it came down to, to tell the truth. I think that you look at the talent each individual had, everybody wanted to show how good they could be on any given night," explained Butler.
