Derrick Rose And Jimmy Butler Equals Trouble For The NBA

Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports

There is some true excitement coming from Chicagocamp these days. Derrick Rose‘s anticipated return will pay big dividends for the Bulls 2013-2014 season. His health alone will catapult the Bulls back in the championship hunt. But the most exciting thought for Bulls’ fans will be that Rose will have a new backcourt mate when he officially returns. The emerging Jimmy Butler will be the starting two guard when the season begins, and that means serious trouble for the rest of the league.

The Bulls have tried to fill the starting two guard position for the last few years. They tried guys like Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver. All of them brought certain attributes to the team, but they were more suited for coming off the bench. The Bulls even tried bringing in veteran Rip Hamilton, but he just couldn’t stay healthy long enough to contribute, and they let him go.

Now Rose will have a reliable backcourt player running with him. Butler took advantage, with Rose out to improve his game. He has a reliable jump shot (all the way to the 3-point line), his ball handle has improved, and his athletic ability is off the charts. When Rose is penetrating through the lane, he can kick it out to Butler on the wing, or spot him slashing to the basket.

There will be some bumps along the way when these two play together, as they have to get familiar with one another. They have to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. As the point guard, Rose will be able to pick his spots and find easier ways for Butler to score. I have no doubt they will complement each other very quickly and become a deadly backcourt.

Bulls fans should be excited about the future of their young backcourt. Rose has never played with an all around talent like Jimmy Butler. If Rose is back to being MVP Derrick Rose, this backcourt will be one of the most dangerous backcourts in the league.