Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler. Credit: Getty Images Credit: NBA
Jimmy Butler has not been shy of expressing his thoughts throughout his career, and his time with the Miami Heat has been no different. While “Playoff Jimmy” has shone in big moments, he has also been extremely vocal regarding both issues he has faced and general opinions.
A stereotype that exists within South Florida is that sports fans, particularly Miami Heat fans, often arrive late to games. The stereotype is true, more or less, as it is not uncommon for Heat games to start off with a plethora of empty seats being visible, even in the playoffs.
Heat Fans Arriving Late
During an interview with Complex Sports, Butler addressed the issue. He stated that the worst part about playing for the Heat, to him, is that the fans often show up after tipoff.
“What’s been the worst part, to me? Our fans never show up on time,” Butler said. “They never show up on time. And I’m just like ‘damn, I want it to be rocking from like, the jump ball.’ Fans, come on!”
Butler, more or less, has been extremely positive about his time playing for the Heat. He has become a fan favorite who has led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including a surprise NBA Finals appearance in 2023.
That has led to him developing the nickname “Playoff Jimmy” due to his ability to turn on the clutch come postseason. Unfortunately for the Heat, however, Butler got hurt during this year’s Play-In Tournament, rendering him unable to play the first round — the Heat were defeated by the Boston Celtics in five games.
Public Eye
Butler has not been shy about expressing his thoughts publicly. After the Heat’s elimination from the playoffs this year, Butler boldly claimed that if he was healthy and on the court for the Heat’s last series against the Celtics, he would have beaten the Celtics and even the New York Knicks in the Conference Finals.
That caused team president Pat Riley to directly call out his player during a press conference. He acknowledged the video and Butler’s comments, completely condemning them and Butler himself.
“For him to say that, I thought, ‘Is that Jimmy trolling or is that Jimmy serious?” Riley said then. “If you’re not on the court playing against Boston, if you’re not on the court playing against the New York Knicks, you should keep your mouth shut in your criticism of those teams.”
Butler will presumably have a few more seasons to try and lead the Heat to a championship.
