Jimmy Butler's career hasn't exactly gone as planned since he forced his way out of the Windy City in 2017. Now playing for his second team in as many seasons, the former Chicago Bulls star is returning to United Center on Wednesday as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. And despite his controversial departure from and rocky road since leaving the Bulls, not everyone with his old team harbors ill-will toward Butler.

“Jimmy is a warrior,” Chicago coach Jim Boylen told K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. “He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve ever coached. And I’ve coached some tough guys, been a part of some tough teams. He’s a dynamic competitor, a two-way player…He's got a great heart. He's a really good person. He does more for people than anybody knows. I thought he was a great Bull.”

Boylen learned all of that about Butler despite spending just two seasons with the four-time All-Star. Robin Lopez, meanwhile, offered similar praise for his former teammate after the two shared a locker room for only one season.

“I really enjoyed playing with Jimmy,” he said. “You love playing with dogs like that. I found it very enjoyable. He’s always looking to make the right play. He always has your back. I appreciate that so much.”

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Butler, averaging 18.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.9 steals per game since being traded to the Sixers in November, left the Minnesota Timberwolves much the same way he did the Bulls, alienating management and teammates. He's reportedly contributed to friction in Philadelphia, too. Still, there have always been those who defend Butler's aggressive, one-track style of leadership, and it's safe to count Boylen and Lopez among them.

Philadelphia and Chicago tip off at 8:00 p.m. EST.