DALLAS – There’s the Sock Monkey commercial, the game of H-O-R-S-E with Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Erin Heatherton, as well as quick appearances on such television shows like “Wahlburgers’’ and “David Blaine Beyond Magic.’’
Now go ahead and throw movies into the Jimmy Butler take-over tour. Or as teammate Dwyane Wade calls it: “Jimmy World.’’
Butler confirmed on Saturday that he does indeed make a cameo in the upcoming movie, “Office Christmas Party,’’ which will star Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, T.J. Miller and Kate McKinnon. His role? Himself.
“Man, when did that happen?’’ Butler said. “Over the summer, down in Atlanta. I got a chance to be able to be a part of that with some really great human beings.’’
The connection of how he got the part was very simple. Then again, being good friends with actor Mark Wahlberg has some perks.
“The man himself. Who else would do that?’’ Butler said, when asked how the process got started. “[Wahlberg] called me and he was like, ‘Yo, you want to be in a movie?’ I’m thinking it was going to be with him. He was like, ‘Yeah, a buddy of mine is looking for you, like somebody that plays in Chicago.’ Because the role was based in Chicago. So I got to be myself, which was the easiest part to play.
“I’m at the party in the movie, and I’m not going to tell you what happens, but let’s say I’m a surprise whenever everyone sees me there. I’m not expected to be there, obviously.’’
The release date for the movie is Dec. 9, but considering all the off-the-court bonding this Bulls team has been doing this season, Butler is looking to stick with that script and land a private screening for his teammates.
“It’s pretty decent,’’ Butler said. “I haven’t seen the full cut of it yet, but I think we’re going to do a full screening for everybody to see. I heard the movie is really funny. I saw the previews and I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ ‘’
No thanks
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg wanted nothing to do with the topic of Golden State coach, and former Bulls guard, Steve Kerr admitting to using marijuana twice to help with his back pain, but that didn’t stop Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban from commenting.
“For every performance enhancing drug there is the ability to get an exception, and if there’s medicinal value to it, you get an exception,’’ Cuban said. “So I don’t think it’s any big conversation or discussion because it’s for a medical reason. There’s guys across professional sports that take testosterone because medically they need to do it. Why would it be any different?’’
The McDermott plan
According to Hoiberg, Doug McDermott (concussion) will start taking contact in two-on-two games on Sunday, and will then practice with the D-League Windy City Bulls on Monday and Tuesday, as he draws closer to returning to the court.
McDermott has missed the last nine games working his way out of the concussion protocol.