(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
For years, some NBA media members tried to portray Jimmy Butler as a bad guy and a rotten apple.
But he’s been loved by his teammates nearly everywhere he’s been, and he’s proven to be a bonafide winner and playoff performer.
More than that, regardless of all the trash-talking and tough-love attitude, Jimmy is actually quite beloved and respected among his colleagues.
That was on full display when Washington Wizards star Kyle Kuzma talked about him, deeming him “a winner” and the kind of guy who’ll do whatever it takes to help his team.
“Jimmy Butler is a winner. He does all the things a role player should do and he gets you buckets. That’s real”
– Kyle Kuzma pic.twitter.com/GuGvGjbWBb
— Ball Don’t Stop (@balldontstop) April 25, 2023
Butler is a born leader, and even though his methods might not always be the most easy-going, he’s surely earned his stripes in this league.
He seemingly didn’t get along with Ben Simmons, which is why he didn’t stay with the Philadelphia 76ers, but he was quite close to leading them to the NBA Finals.
He then joined the Miami Heat and took them the distance against all odds, falling just a couple of wins short of winning his first NBA championship despite having an unproven supporting cast.
His days with the Minnesota Timberwolves may have had a bit of a toll on his reputation, but he did lead them to the playoffs for the first time in years, and he continued to find success outside of the team, even more than them.
So, maybe it’s time we start giving him the respect and credit he’s due as one of the best two-way players in the world.
The post Kyle Kuzma Makes His Thoughts Clear On Jimmy Butler appeared first on The Cold Wire.