In a candid interview on the "7PM in Brooklyn" show, Dwyane Wade opened up about his time with the Chicago Bulls and his influence on Jimmy Butler. Wade, who is best known for his stellar career with the Miami Heat, spent the 2016-2017 season with the Bulls. He acknowledged that his presence on the team may have had a negative impact on the younger players, particularly Butler.
"I set a bad precedent, I apologize. Jimmy Butler was on that team, so he probably picked up some bad habits from me."
"I was old, I was like ‘man, I get to live the NBA experience, I was a military baby for 14 years, I got one year to get out and stretch my arms,' I was like I’m about to take advantage. So I really wasn’t a good vet to those guys man, I apologize. It wasn’t about y’all it was about me, so I apologize."
"I got to enjoy it when I wasn’t good anymore, but I still had my status but I wasn’t that good no more to my standards, I’m not talking about the average basketball standards. I still could hoop, but to my standards I was like ‘alright, you ain’t him no more but I still got my status, so let me use this card.'" (1:30)
Wade admitted that he wasn't the best mentor during his stint in Chicago. Wade explained that his behavior was influenced by his personal decline in performance. While still capable of playing at a high level, he no longer felt he was at his peak.
During that season, the Bulls finished as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics. Wade’s influence, or lack thereof, was apparent as the team struggled to find cohesion and success.
Reflecting on his actions, Wade expressed regret for not being a better leader and mentor. His admission highlights the importance of veteran players setting a positive example for younger teammates. Despite the challenges during his time in Chicago, Butler has gone on to have a successful NBA career, continuing to grow and develop into one of the league's top players.
That Team Could Have Caused A Major Upset In The First Round In 2017
The 2016-17 Chicago Bulls season held the potential to be something special. With a roster featuring Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade, and Jimmy Butler, the team had a mix of veteran experience and dynamic talent. Despite a season filled with internal discourse and struggles, the Bulls showed glimpses of greatness that hinted at a deeper playoff run.
Throughout the regular season, the Bulls demonstrated their capability to compete with the best in the Eastern Conference. They swept the Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0), the defending champions, in their regular season series. Additionally, they split their series with the Boston Celtics (2-2), who finished the season as the top seed in the East.
These achievements were not mere flukes; they highlighted the Bulls' potential to challenge the top teams. The Bulls also ranked fifth in the league in defensive efficiency, showcasing their ability to stifle opponents and control games from the defensive end.
As the playoffs began, the Bulls faced the Celtics, who had surprisingly secured the number one seed. The Bulls came out strong, winning the first two games on the Celtics' home court, signaling a potential upset in the making.
The chemistry between Rondo, Wade, and Butler seemed to be clicking at the right moment, and their playoff experience was shining through. However, the series took a drastic turn when Rondo suffered an injury after Game 2.
Without Rondo, the Bulls lost their floor general and primary playmaker. The Celtics capitalized on this, winning four consecutive games to eliminate the Bulls from the playoffs. The injury to Rondo was a critical blow to the Bulls' chances, as his leadership and playmaking were integral to their early success in the series.
Had Rondo remained healthy, the 2016-17 Bulls might have continued their strong playoff push. Their regular-season success against the top teams in the East indicated they had the potential to go deeper into the playoffs. Unfortunately, injuries and internal conflicts prevented this team from reaching its full potential, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
