Jimmy Butler doesn't want Jordan comparisons after breaking MJ's record
Jimmy Butler was incredible in leading the Bulls to a victory over the Raptors on Sunday, and while he may be Chicago's best player at the moment, he doesn't want to be compared to the team's greatest of all time.
Butler's 40 points in the game's second half broke a franchise record that was set by Michael Jordan. But upon hearing the news that he had done so, Butler's first reaction was to downplay his accomplishment.
Via K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune:
" 'Don't compare me to him' — that's exactly what I said," Butler recalled when asked his reaction to being informed of the franchise record. "I don't want to be compared to him because then people are going to think I've got to do what he did. I'm trying, but we're nowhere near the same player.
"I'm just happy we got the win. Points or no points, we're leaving here with a 'W.' "
Butler is right to not want to be considered a Jordan-like figure for these Bulls. While he is averaging a career-best 21.8 points per game, Chicago won't reach its goals as a team without consistent contributions from everyone on the roster.
But it's nice to know he may be capable of occasionally stepping into that role when his team needs him the most.
