(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
No matter what happens next, Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat has had a postseason to remember.
Partly because of his immense skill and hard work, the Heat have gone from limping into the playoffs to pushing into the Finals.
But does that make Butler one of the best in the league?
Stephen A. Smith doesn’t think so.
Speaking on First Take, Smith said Butler is “not those guys” when comparing him to others like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry.
Smith’s words are sure to turn some heads and raise some eyebrows.
.@stephenasmith says Jimmy Butler is a star, NOT a superstar
“When I talk about the elite dudes offensively in the game of basketball, Jimmy Butler is not a name that comes to mind [like KD, Steph or LeBron].” pic.twitter.com/tmowyNngi2
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 12, 2023
Smith does not deny that Butler can ball and is a talented player.
But even though Curry, James, and Durant are all at home at this point, Smith still doesn’t think that Butler is on the same level as them.
One of the main points that Smith made is how much of Butler’s success rests on him making his way to the free-throw line.
But a true “superstar” doesn’t have to rely on getting fouled to make points, according to Smith.
Butler has certainly been playing well for much of the playoffs.
During the regular season, he was averaging 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
But during the postseason, he has put up 27.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
He has had his rough patches, of course, and honestly hasn’t had a terrific game for more than a week now.
This has led to many people arguing about just how great Butler really is.
Is he an all-time great like James, Durant, and Curry?
No matter how these Finals end up, people will continue to debate this.
The post Stephen A. Smith Has A Clear Opinion About Jimmy Butler appeared first on The Cold Wire.