National Media Pushes Dumb Jimmy Butler Narrative

The national narrative about Jimmy Butler strikes again. After Miami defeated Phoenix last behind Jimmy Butler’s 34 points, he stepped into the winners’ circle with Jason Jackson.  

Maybe Jimmy Butler's teammates think this is funny, or maybe it's an indication of why he's played on four teams since 2017. #NBA pic.twitter.com/QKzzOP90Iv

— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) November 8, 2019

Jokingly he sent teammates Bam Adebayo and Meyers Leonard back to the locker room before getting he interviewed. When asked about the video bombs, Butler responded; “It’s not about them, It’s about me right now”.  

Of course, the national media had a field day with this as many took Butler’s comments out of context and responded with tweets calling him a “bad teammate.”  Even though Butler was clearly laughing throughout the video, people ripped him apart.  

These preset narratives of Butler being a bad teammate are absolutely ridiculous. Butler has preached being unselfish this year even saying last night that he spoke with coaches who wanted him to be more aggressive. He has embraced being a leader and took all the young players under his wing, especially rookie Tyler Herro whom he continues to have only great things to say about. 

“He told me to get out the way. Think about that!”

Jimmy Butler said Tyler Herro wanted to guard Devin Booker. pic.twitter.com/WE66Iphimp

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 8, 2019

The majority of the hate for Butler seems to comes from the manner in which he forced his way out of Minnesota. Critics deemed him a selfish teammate who only cared about his own personal benefit. This summer again didn’t help his image when he made his way down to South Beach. Philly fans tore Butler apart when he chose Miami over the 76ers who were a Kawhi Leonard bounce away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.

Many view this as Butler’s retirement tour. 

The national media will continue to tear Jimmy apart for even looking at the camera wrong but down here in South Florida we love how he has embraced the Culture and look forward to the future with him. 

As do his teammates…

Jimmy Butler is simply competitive as hell, loves to win and expects the same from his teammates.. Seems like a pretty easy concept to fall in line with if you ask me..

— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard) November 8, 2019