(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
There are few players like Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat.
He has been with multiple teams during his time in the league and has swiftly become a leader for each of them.
Heat mastermind Pat Riley spoke about what makes Butler so special.
Discussing his star player with Sports Illustrated, via Ball Don’t Lie, Riley said: “He rises to the occasion – he always has. And that’s why he is Jimmy. Freakin’. Butler.”
Pat Riley on Jimmy Butler:
“He rises to the occasion—he always has. And that’s why he is Jimmy. Freakin’. Butler.”
(via @SInow) pic.twitter.com/qBcTeipK65
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) October 11, 2023
He is known by many names: Jimmy Buckets, Himmy Butler, and Playoff Jimmy.
But “Jimmy. Freakin’. Butler” is another appropriate name for the six-time All-Star.
Riley is quite happy with Butler and what he has done since coming to the Heat.
He has been with the team for four seasons now and has averaged 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists during that time.
He has also taken his team deep into the playoffs multiple times and has arrived at the Finals twice.
However, the Heat have yet to win a championship during Butler’s tenure, and fans have noticed.
They are hoping that Riley and his staff do whatever it takes to get Butler his first ring.
He is certainly a sensational talent and a terrific leader for his squad but they haven’t been able to get the job done and go all the way.
There was hope that the team would land Damian Lillard in the summer, which would have immediately made them favorites to reach the Finals again.
But now Butler will have to lead his team through a much deeper and much more competitive Eastern Conference.
Can Butler rise to the occasion once more and help the Heat get red-hot again?
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