Jimmy Butler and Marquis Teague chatted with the media following the Bulls 79-74 loss to the Celtics in their opening game of the Las Vegas Summer League. Butler spoke on how he wants to be a leader this summer and do whatever it takes to win games.  He’s also excited to help Teague transition to the NBA smoothly like his teammates did for him last year.  Teague conceded he had a rough game, but is just ready to bounce back tonight.

Jimmy Butler: I was just trying to stay aggressive, and by me being aggressive, hopefully my teammates would take after that. I have to lead by example, and if I’m calm and I’m playing basketball hard, then my teammates are going to be calm and play basketball hard. I’m second year, kind of a rookie still, but I feel like I’m a veteran on this team and I have to lead.  If leading means me taking over a game then I have to try and do that, get to the line, things like that. [My goal for this summer league] is to get my confidence up in every part of my game and learn how to be a better leader and show Marquis the ropes.  I think that’s the biggest thing for me, like what all those guys did for me, they took me underneath their wing, and I just want to do that for Marquis. [I told Marquis] to keep shooting, if you don’t keep shooting, you’re never going to make them. You got to make teams respect that you can shoot it before you can get to the cup, I think everybody know that, and I think he will come out next game and be aggressive and play basketball. 

Marquis Teague: I’m just ready to bounce back tomorrow, you know, I had a rough day shooting the ball and I’m just ready to get back out there. There was like a lid for me on the rim today, tomorrow I’ll be alright, you have games like that. [Jimmy told me] to just keep my confidence, stay aggressive, you know it’s summer league, get your shots up and just continue to play.

On if he feels he could start for the Bulls next season if need be:

Oh yeah, if I had to step in, I’m a basketball player, I feel like I can compete with anybody.