(CNN Philippines) — With the six NBA titles he won for the city, Michael Jordan will always be synonymous to the Chicago Bulls.
If you’re currently playing for the Bulls, you will probably want to be outside of His Airness’ shadow.
That’s the case for Jimmy Butler – who is slowly becoming the face of the franchise.
“I think I want to lead my own legacy,” he said.
The 27-year-old Texan wants to make his own mark in Chicago, and he is on the right track to achieving that goal.
Butler is averaging 24.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists this season. He is also the catalyst for the Bulls who is at seventh place in the East with a 14-14 record.
“I want to be known for me winning games, not just being in the same organization as Scottie Pippen, as Michael Jordan, as Dennis Rodman, as all those guys. I have my own legacy and story that I’m trying to write,” he said.
Butler may be far from the accomplishments that Jordan has accumulated in his stellar carrer, but he is by far the best player to suit up for Chicago in years.
“The goal, the reason you play this game is to win. So obviously, I would like to do that. But I’m not living in the MJ shadow. I’m trying to be the best version of myself that I can be,” he said.
Relationship with Dwyane Wade
With the addition of veteran Dwyane Wade on the roster, Butler has nothing but praise for the three-time NBA champion.
“He’s been amazing. He’s been great. You watch the way he goes about everything on and off the floor and it’s no question why he is the player he is, why he’s been to so many All-Star games, All-NBA teams, all the championships.” he said.
“You just feel it in that presence of him being around. And then you just see the way he is off the floor and what he does in his community, in his city and the way he is with his family and I mean, he’s just a great human being,” he added.
Wade’s experience also provides guidance for the young Bulls squad.
“Everybody knows him for the person and the basketball player that he is, but off the floor, just a human being and the love that he gives to everybody, man. That’s what makes Dwayne Wade Dwayne Wade. You know, and then he can flip a switch and be a fierce competitor on the court,” Butler said.
“It’s huge, but he’s shown everybody why he is a player, why he’s had that career and why he’s going to continue to be the phenomenal person he is in the community each and every day,” he added.
