Jimmy Butler has had an interesting year in the first turn of his partnership with Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade in Chicago. Both of the newcomers had to adjust to playing with each other, as well as another ball dominant guard in Butler for the first time.

Wade called the trio the “Three Alphas” before the season began and that nickname proved to be right on the money when it comes to the three strong personalities that shared a locker room in the United Center this year.

With Flash injured and out for the season, it has fallen to Jimmy Buckets to carry the Bulls back to the playoffs. A lot is riding on a playoff appearance as Wade has said that making the playoffs would all but assure he will be back next season.

Chicago’s next opponent will be the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night and their superstar is trying to avoid waking a sleeping giant. Reporters asked the guard who was the hardest cover in the NBA and he didn’t want to answer that question.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports that Butler dodged the question with an unquestionable motive in mind.

The All-Star said: “If I say he (James) is, then next time I play (Kevin) Durant, he’s going to try to score 60. You’re not gonna get me.”

Smart words by the defensively minded guard. After all, his introduction into the league was as a defensive specialist under former head coach Tom Thibodeau. He was often tasked with guarding the best player on the other team.

On Thursday that player will be James, the man who is averaging 29 points, 10 assists and six rebounds against the Windy City club. King James is also doing this while shooting 58 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc.

This is a matter of picking your poison because while the reigning Finals MVP shouldn’t be taken lightly, neither should Durant.

The newest Golden State Warrior put up 22 points and 10 rebounds against the Bulls in a lopsided victory for the Western Conference favourites, but Butler won’t likely have to deal with them until next season.

It’s a delicate balancing act and just like on the court, Jimmy is learning that you have to look out for yourself when talking to the media as well. After all, he’s the one that has to guard these two superstars.