Chicago Bulls

Jimmy Butler out for USA Basketball's scrimmage on Thursday

Published Aug. 12, 2015 4:52 p.m. ET

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Jimmy Butler was a surprise addition to the 34-man roster for USA Basketball's minicamp in Las Vegas this week. 

It's not that he doesn't have the talent -- after being the Bulls' lone All-Star last season and winning the league's Most Improved Player award, he absolutely does. But the group is one that largely consists of players who have paid their dues in the program from a very early age. 

Butler attended the meetings and participated in non-contact workouts Tuesday and Wednesday with the rest of the guys as planned. But he's headed back to Chicago on some personal business that will keep him from participating in Thursday's scrimmage, reports K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Simply showing up was the most important part. Guys like Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving are there as non-participants while they work their way back from injury, and the same is true for Paul George, who was excused from all physical activities. Butler is now in the mix for the 2016 Olympic roster, which should be considered a significant accomplishment. 

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