Rajon Rondo Fires Back At Wade and Butler

The drama in Chicago continues to grow within the Bulls organization.  After last night’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler criticized the team.

Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson spoke with Wade following the game.  “I’m 35 years old. I have three championships. It shouldn’t hurt me more than it hurts these young guys. They have to want it. I can look at Jimmy and say Jimmy is doing his job. I think Jimmy can look at me and say Dwyane is doing his job. I don’t know if we can keep going down the line and be able to say that.”

Jimmy Butler had similar statements following the game, in which he also questioned the team’s effort, and desire to win basketball games.  “M—–f—–s just got to care if we win or lose,” Butler said. “At the end of the day, do whatever it takes to help the team win. You play your role to the tee. Be a star in your role, man. That’s how you win in this league, man. You have to embrace what this team, what this organization needs for you to do on either end of the floor.”

Butler continued his statement.  “I want to play with guys that care, guys that play hard, that want to do well for this organization, that want to win games, man. Do whatever it takes, just win. Who cares who is shining? When we’re winning, everybody looks great, everybody is doing what they’re supposed to do. I don’t think that’s happening right now, I really don’t.”

Wade and Butler seem to be on the same page.  They do in fact have a reason to be upset with the Bulls play this season, especially after last night loss to the Hawks.

The Bulls led by ten points with three minutes left to play.  Then all of a sudden the Hawks scored 19 points in 2:46 to win the game.  The meltdown seem to be the boiling point for Wade and Butler.

It would be the Bulls 24th loss on the season (23-24), putting them at the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference.

But not everyone agreed with Butler and Wade, specifically the Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo.  Rondo posted a subliminal message on his Instagram account earlier today.

My vets would never go to the media. They would come to the team. My vets didn't pick and choose when they wanted to bring it. They brought it every time they stepped in the gym whether it was practice or a game. They didn't take days off. My vets didn't care about their numbers. My vets played for the team. When we lost, they wouldn't blame us. They took responsibility and got in the gym. They showed the young guys what it meant to work. Even in Boston when we had the best record in the league, if we lost a game, you could hear a pin drop on the bus. They showed us the seriousness of the game. My vets didn't have an influence on the coaching staff. They couldn't change the plan because it didn't work for them. I played under one of the greatest coaches, and he held everyone accountable. It takes 1-15 to win. When you isolate everyone, you can't win consistently. I may be a lot of things, but I'm not a bad teammate. My goal is to pass what I learned along. The young guys work. They show up. They don't deserve blame. If anything is questionable, it's the leadership.

A photo posted by Rajon Rondo (@rajonrondo) on Jan 26, 2017 at 3:03pm PST

Rondo isn’t one to hold his tongue for anyone.  It’s pretty clear that he’s speaking about Wade and Butler, and them calling out the team.

According to sources, Rondo has the support of the other players on the Bulls roster.  Forward Bobby Portis liked Rondo’s instagram post, along with Wade.

Let’s see if this Bulls team can get back on track and compete to make the playoffs.