Citing a long season and the desire to keep one of his marquee players healthy for the playoffs, Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau stated that he would be placing All-Star guard Jimmy Butler on a strict 47 minutes per game restriction for the remainder of the regular season.
“J-Butts is a key part of our success, but we need to make sure he’s well rested for our playoff push,” stated Thibodeau at the team’s first press conference since the break.
Butler, who is averaging a career high in minutes per game, echoed Thibodeau’s sentiments. “I love being on the court as much as possible, but if we’re beating Utah by 25, I think it’s okay to get someone else in there for the last 60 or 70 seconds.”
“60,” interrupted Thibodeau. “Obviously, J-Butts’ 47 minutes per game restriction applies only to games that end in regulation.”
The Bulls will travel to Detroit to play the Pistons Friday, where teammate Derrick Rose will also once again be placed on a 40 percent field goal restriction.
