In 2019, Jimmy Butler took a chance on this organization during his prime in the midst of a bleak few years of Miami Heat basketball. He willed them out of the mud with spirit, passion and a drive to win on the highest of levels.
The former Heat superstar defied all the odds and accomplished the most with less better than anybody else ever has in the history of the NBA. Two trips to the Finals, three to the Eastern Conference Finals — all in a five-year span.
Sure, Butler had the likes of an All-Star teammate in Bam Adebayo alongside him as an anchor during these runs. But key players like Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, Goran Dragic and even Victor Oladipo all suffered unfortunate injuries on the way. Butler’s dominance was evident as the leading guy while representing the Heat on the biggest stage.
Whether it was embarrassing rivals in the postseason like the Boston Celtics (twice), Milwaukee Bucks (twice) or New York Knicks, Miami always had a chance with Butler on the floor.
It was never a fluke. History kept on repeating itself when it came to Butler and his Heat. They proved time and time again that they should never be counted out. In what was an era filled with “what ifs”, there is one thing that is certain.
Jimmy Butler should go down as an undisputed top-three player in franchise history.
In his six seasons in Miami, Butler finished with averages of 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists on 49.8% from the field, 85.1% on free throws and 61.4% true shooting overall. His scoring production increased to nearly 25.0 points per game in his playoff appearances.
The partnership between him and the Heat Culture were a match made in heaven from the very start. His two-way status, elite work ethic and ‘whatever it takes’ mindset to the game always fit exactly what the organization has embodied.
Butler’s confidence was contagious in the locker room. He made an underdog-viewed squad always feel that they could compete with the best. And that they did, as nobody wanted to face the Heat come playoff time no matter what seed they were.
Both of the NBA Finals runs for Miami came with them as the fifth seed (2020) and play-in eighth seed (2023).
The elevation of ‘Playoff Jimmy’ was always a legitimate thing. He moved the needle in every way possible when it mattered the most.
Butler continuously broke franchise records that put him in the same conversations of the likes of Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. He holds the record for highest scoring playoff game of all-time (56), along with the most triple-doubles in Heat history (13). He has six of the ten best statistical postseason scoring games ever.
The ending was ugly, there’s no doubt about that. But the memories will live on forever. Now, the next era of Heat basketball is underway. Butler’s anticipated return to South Florida will take place on Tuesday, March 25 in a matchup against the visiting Golden State Warriors.
Butler’s name will always be etched in the franchise’s history books for generations to come. Thank you for everything, 22.
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As ugly as the partnership ended, I will not exonerate Pat Riley from this. When the rumors started flying around in last summer, I smelt rat. I remember commenting on this platform, calling Pat out to either deny the trade rumors or confirm them. I remember him coming out shortly to say the Heat had no intention to trade Jimmy. Whether it was a coincidence, most likely it was, it came after I asked that he comment, it seemed reassuring then that he did. However, the rumors started getting stronger. Later, I commented that the Heat should count their loss early and cut Jimmy LOOSE otherwise it was going to get ugly, and surely it did. I was surprised to hear Spo say last week “that frankly he did not know how they go to that position”. If that is the general thinking of the organization. My question is, Really?
As perfect or as close one can come to perfection, one misstep can overshadow the image of infallibility..As others feel so for Jimmy’s legacy, so I feel similarly for the Heat.
Let me explain with two very opposite situations.
THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS.
This was a team I so much respected. I could tell you about the twins towers with much relish. I could tell you about there role of each player with delight.. That is how close I followed the Spurs. I could recount you every game leading to their championship rings. However, the ugly parting of ways between San Antonio Spurs and Kawhi Leonard left a very sour taste in my mouth till this day. I remember it more, than all those games. That is the impact of negativity. Then each morning you woke up reading about Kawhi wanting to go and the Spurs not wanting to let go off him, until they did. Rumors have it then that Tony Parker played some role in the beef..Eventually, he too was traded off, but the stench had occurred. Those last days of Kwahi Leonard with the Spurs blurred my previous exciting memories of the Spurs.
THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS.
A similar scenario of disgruntlement was brewing in the locker room of GSW. The management wasted no time in appeasing all parties involved by letting Durant go before the situation got worse. Three years after Durant left the warriors, they won the 7th championship ring in franchise history. The parting of ways between Duran and the Warriors is distant in my mind, because of the way the franchise handled it. It was very short lived. They did not allow narratives to be built around it by story tellers. Time is a weapon in the hands of mischief makers. Take it way from them and their mischief is short lived.
The warriors did not let it degenerate to a situation as low as the Spurs vs Kawhi or Heat vs Butler.
Hence , I blame Pat Riley. It was within his power to do the needful very early, let Jimmy go but he did not until it became frankly very messy with fans taking sides. This was not necessary in my opinion.
Summary:
San Antonio spurs mishandled the situation.
Golden State Warriors handled it professionally and correctly.
Miami Heat goofed!
“The former Heat superstar defied all the odds and accomplished the most with less better than anybody else ever has in the history of the NBA.”
Aye, Aye, Sire !
I agree with you in toto. Aside from Lebron, It is very clear to the discerning, that Jimmy Butler was the most impactful player in Heat’s history.
I am grateful for the Butler years and all the team was able to accomplish during his tenure with the Heat. I wish him the best of luck in San Francisco.
It’s unfortunate Butler’s situation had to end the way it did. He obviously was not happy about having to demonstrate he could be available in order to earn an extension or for Riley putting him in his place. He chose to handle the situation the wrong way. By behaving in such an immature manner, he deliberately damaged his own reputation hoping that NBA teams (other than Phoenix) would be discouraged from trading for him. By reducing his marketability, he lessoned his value and sabotaged Miami’s ability to obtain the maximum return on his trade.
I think Riley did well just to get what he got. Remember, it wasn’t long ago there was talk of Golden State being willing to offer Wiggins, Kuminga and more for Butler. Once his value was reduced, the Warriors realized Miami was in a tough situation and would probably take what they could get.
Although I will not forget the good years the team had with Butler, I will also not forget the way he chose to force his way out of Miami. By doing so, he made it very clear that he could GAF about the fans. Loyalty is a two-way street. Butler lost mine and that of many Miami fans. I think his behavior should disqualify him from ever having his jersey raised in the rafters at Kaseya Center. After he’s had time to think about everything, I wonder if he will think it was all worth it?
I did not read this article. I am being 100% honest, I would rather read an article about Josh Richardsons time with the Heat. he was part of the 30-11 team. He was playing great last season before his injury. I was happy to see him go the first time around, but after two stints with the Heat I would love to read an article waxing poetic about the Josh Richardson era in Miami Heat history.
Jimmy Butler is a top-10 player in Heat history. Two trips to the Finals and three trips to the Conference Finals speak for themselves. Some epic playoff games against Milwaukie and Boston. Incredible bubble run.
But he played like ass this season and was pretty bad last season also. He also stunk the season after the bubble, but I will forgive that because of the short turnaround. Still, we’re talking about a guy that played 6 seasons for the Heat, was fantastic during 3 of them, and was absolute ass for 3 of them. There’s no way I can rank him above Udonis Haslem in Heat history.
Thanks for the memories Jimmy. It was good but not great. Thanks for the Conference Champion Banners.
It’s really hurting man I’m missing him more than I thought I would can’t believe we really went out like this
he stepped his game up in playoffs.just not enough to get us a ring,ill remember him more the way it ended with him,in conclusion f him.a benedict arnold.no celebrations for him he has as many rings as i do