Jimmy Butler is currently one of the best players in the postseason. Leading the Miami Heat right from the Play-In loss to then settling for the 8th seed in the playoffs, to now playing in the East Finals. Butler does seem like a player who has been a leader all his life.
After a rough time in Minnesota, Jimmy finally found his home in Miami. Since he arrived in Miami, Butler hasn’t missed a single postseason. In his first season as a Heat player, Butler led the team to the Finals.
The upcoming series against the Boston Celtics will be Butler’s third Conference Finals appearance in the last four years with the Heat. As of now, Jimmy has been leading the postseason, averaging 31 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. He’s been spectacular so far, playing without Heat’s key players. Though Butler’s impressive leadership and strong mentality weren’t always there for him.
Jimmy wasn’t always the kind of player who was an avid hard worker. He wasn’t the best in the game nor did he really wish to improve. Being heavily inspired by an NBA legend later on, made Butler rethink his choices.
Jimmy Butler was inspired by Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade
Butler had transferred to Marquette University after he played for the Tyler Junior College for one year. Butler still wasn’t someone who was putting his all in the game. “I didn’t take the game of basketball very seriously. I was never the best player on my team. Wasn’t highly ranked or highly recruited. Probably because … I wasn’t that good at basketball,” Butler told The Players’ Tribune.
His work ethic towards the game wasn’t there, and he didn’t seem to care much about his overall performance. “I had a terrible work ethic. I wasn’t hustling, or trying to be the best player I could be and make it to the league,” added Butler. Though Jimmy did make it to Marquette University where all the magic would happen.
But it wasn’t before some of the other players told him that he could indeed make it to the league one day. From that point on, Butler was laser focused to improve his game. Butler looked up to Dwyane Wade, who at the team was one of the best players in the league having won a championship alongside Shaquille O’Neal.
Jimmy takes on his opponent like any other. His mentality is not to admire his opponent’s title but to throw it all on the floor, making a statement in each game. Similarly this year, Butler led the Heat past the Milwaukee Bucks, the best team in the East as well as in the NBA. Winning over the top team of the league being an 8th seed, Butler showed his true game against the Greek Freak himself.
Dwyane Wade is definitely a proud legend, looking at Butler leading his beloved team, the Miami Heat. Jimmy has done his fans as well as the city of Miami proud. Looking at his current stature and performance, Butler will definitely lead Miami to even bigger heights.