Tag Archive for: Jimmy Butler

5 Most Anticipated Miami Heat Postseason Player Matchups

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With the NBA set to return on July 30th, there’s a lot to look forward to. The race to a final playoff spot, the climb to a higher seed, and different matchups your team may face. Miami Heat player matchups could be among the most intriguing.

Not only the team that’ll be your first round match-up, but also player rivalries. Many great battles have occurred throughout the season thus far, and will be even more intense in a playoff setting.

Here are some of the most anticipated matchups for the Miami Heat that fans would love to see…

Miami Heat Player Matchups 1 – Bam Adebayo  vs Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been pretty close to unstoppable this season putting up MVP types of numbers. But only one guy has seemed to slow him down. Bam Adebayo. They faced off twice during this season and Bam came away with the win in both. This title officially was given to Bam when they faced off in early March. The Heat got a blowout win against the Bucks and Bam held Giannis to 13 points in the game, which tied the lowest points he scored all season. This match-up would be amazing not only for fans, but also to be the icing on the cake for a potential 2021 signing.

Miami Heat Player Matchups 2 – Jimmy Butler vs TJ Warren

NBA fans were robbed of this post-altercation match-up since the NBA was shut down shortly before. Everyone had this game circled on their calendar, including Jimmy Butler. This match-up is anticipated for a much different reason than the last. Jimmy Butler and TJ Warren got in a scuffle during a game in early January. Lots of words were said and kisses were blown, but fans want to see them in action on the court. And Jimmy does too…

Miami Heat Player Matchups 3 – Adebayo vs Pascal Siakam

This is another match-up that Bam Adebayo seems to embrace. The Heat played the Raptors twice this season as well which ended in two wins. These big wins were lead by Bam’s major defensive versatilities against Toronto’s star Pascal Siakam. His outstanding perimeter defense held Siakam to only 15 points in the game with a subpar field goal percentage. This was the beginning of another rivalry that Bam seemed to constantly come out on top with. And lets not forget another battle that Bam beat Siakam…

 Player Matchups 4 – Butler vs Jayson Tatum

This is a match-up that does not get talked about much, but should. For starters, the Celtics got the best of Jimmy Butler and the Heat in both games this season, which does not sit well with Jimmy. That is something that sticks in the back of players heads, especially a player that his the mindset of Jimmy Butler. Jimmy also had one of his best games of the season in the first game against Boston in which he scored 37 points. He also held Jayson Tatum to 19 points and forced him to shoot 2/12 from three in Boston. This is a match-up that could heat up if they were to face off in a playoff series.

Player Matchups 5 – Adebayo vs Joel Embiid

The Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers always seem to bring an immense amount of intensity when they face off. There are many intriguing match-ups between these teams due to the trade that sent Josh Richardson to Philadelphia and Jimmy Butler to Miami. There may be more of a rivalry with Jimmy and some guys, but it doesn’t seem to be as closely watched as when Bam Adebayo faces Joel Embiid. (If it wasn’t player on player match-ups, Jimmy Butler vs Brett Brown would be the best rivalry between these teams.) This is the only match-up that it seems Bam hasn’t fully stopped. They’ve had their battles back and forth with toughness and offensive showings, but Bam has yet to fully stop Embiid himself with his defense. This might be because the 76ers seem to be easily stopped by strategy, like a zone defense, and also tend to stop themselves at times with their inability to fit together. Either way, this match-up will be closely watched for both sides to see if Bam can fully dethrone the best center in the NBA or if Embiid can overpower him with his size and skill set.

Heat lineups

5 Most Intriguing Miami Heat Lineups for Postseason

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The Miami Heat are one of the most interesting teams heading into the postseason, once the season resumes in Orlando. This is since they have diversity on their roster. And that creates considerable flexibility for Erik Spoelstra, who has been known to tinker with Heat lineups.

There are many lineups we have not seen yet, due to the fact that Meyers Leonard and Tyler Herro were injured for much of the time since the key new guys, Jae Crowder and Andre Iguodala, were brought in.

Well, here’s five of the most intriguing lineups for the postseason.

Heat Lineups: 1. The Defensive Lineup

Jimmy Butler, Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder, Derrick Jones Jr, and Bam Adebayo

If the Heat need a late game stop, this is probably a go to lineup. All 5 of these guys can guard all five positions, which means they can constantly switch on defense without worry. Of course this lineup may have trouble on the offensive side of the ball without a lot of shooting out there on the court, but this could just be a trial. It’d be great for late game stops or even if Coach Spoelstra is sick of seeing other guys getting torched on defense. This would definitely be an interesting lineup to look for.

Heat Lineups: 2. The Shooting Lineup

Goran Dragic, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Jae Crowder, Meyers Leonard

If Miami is trailing in a game, where it seems they can get nothing going on offense, this is the way to go. We’ve seen all 5 of these guys be huge sparks for the Heat’s offense this season at one time or another. Also, they all have one similar trait, if they get hot, they’re hard to stop. The only problem with this lineup will be on the defensive end where Miami’s back-court may run into some trouble. But if the Heat are in a difficult spot, this lineup may be able to claw themselves out of a tough playoff game.

Heat Lineups: 3. The Experienced Lineup

Goran Dragic, Jimmy Butler, Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder, Meyers Leonard

The playoffs are obviously a different animal, and always seems to impact young and inexperienced guys. So, a lineup filled with playoff experience may not be too bad. All of these guys have played in big playoff games and know what it takes to win. They will most likely have to take the ropes at times since they have to be the examples and leaders of this young Heat team. The experience factor may not be as much of an impact this season since the playoffs will look much different without fans, but we will still probably see this lineup come up in fourth quarters of games.

Heat Lineups: 4. The Young Lineup

Kendrick Nunn, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Derrick Jones Jr, Bam Adebayo

Young and inexperienced lineups like this don’t seem to work well in the playoffs, but if there was any young group that would, it’d be this one. This young group has something that no other one does. The “it” factor. As we’ve seen troughout the season, these guys don’t shy away from big moments, which makes it hard to think they’d fall apart in a big playoff game. The coaches and players all have major confidence in these young guys, but more importantly they are confident in themselves. The heart of these young guys will look to overpower any experienced team that they may face.

Heat Lineups: 5. The Death Lineup

Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson, Jae Crowder, Bam Adebayo

It’s great to see lineups with all five guys with the same strength out on the floor, but it seems it’s not always the most successful. A mixture of all four themes listed prior most likely will work best. The Heat’s death lineup can definitely be argued, but it’s hard to debate this one. The overall balance of shooting and defense seems to be quite hard to compete with. And it also contains a mixture of experienced guys along with the offensively gifted youth. If Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson prove that they can compete at a high level in the postseason, this will be a hard lineup to pass up.

Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler vs. NBA’s best duos

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The NBA is filled with star powered duos. The league has gotten more and more balanced each year, that even the bottom tier teams have an enticing one-two punch.

A prominent duo is not only based off each player’s personal success, but the camaraderie that the two players have together on the court.

This list is based on the current status of the best duos in today’s NBA, and barring no injuries.

 

15. Karl Anthony Towns and D-Angelo Russell: Minnesota Timberwolves

This one will take a little time, after Russell was acquired for Andrew Wiggins at the deadline. Towns and Russell should have pretty good chemistry established since they rose through the AAU circuit together.

 

14. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray: Denver Nuggets

This duo has progressed each year, with Jokic’s unparalleled passing ability and Murray’s shooting, and there’s room to grow. They led Denver team to a three seed in the West this season, and just need to prove it consistently together in the playoffs.

 

13. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert: Utah Jazz

On the court, this has worked, with Mitchell’s playmaking and scoring and Gobert’s paint-patrolling defense and rebounding. Off the court? Well, that’s been a bit more problematic since Gobert’s actions at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, though some say they’ve patched things up. We’ll see.

 

12. Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry: Toronto Raptors

It might’ve seemed as if Lowry would finally be a first option with DeMar DeRozan and Kawhi Leonard elsewhere , but that’s not the case. Siakam emerged as an All-Star, with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Lowry remained steady, at 20 points and 8 assists, and the Raptors kept rolling to a surprising second seed in the East.

 

11. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo: Miami Heat

After Butler was traded to the Heat, who would’ve thought he would find a running mate that could help him lead this Miami team to a four seed in the East? Certainly no one outside of Miami. Not a bad result considering that some said Jimmy came to Miami to retire. While they’ve paired well offensively, their real strength is their defensive passion and versatility, the latter of which is virtually unmatched around the NBA.

 

10. Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker: Boston Celtics 

Walker slid in for Kyrie Irving, Tatum took a leap, and suddenly the Celtics were the third seed. Tatum averaged 24 points and 7 rebounds, and Walker added 21 points and four assists. Walker never played with anyone as good as Tatum in Charlotte.

 

9. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons: Philadelphia 76ers

On talent alone, this might be the top duo. But their games don’t really complement each other like some of the others. The collective numbers show that each performs better with the other off the floor, since their lack of spacing together tends to clog the lane. The individual numbers (Embiid with 23 points and 12 boards, and Simmons averaging a near triple double) are outstanding. Time will tell if they can figure it out.

 

8. Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis: Dallas Mavericks

Size and offensive skill. Doncic is already elite, and Porzingis was starting to get back to that level after a major knee injury. He’s also shown he’s comfortable being the No. 2 option. But can they defend well enough together to win anything meaningful, coming out of the West?

 

7. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum: Portland Trail Blazers

No backcourt in the NBA can score like this one, outside of a healthy Warriors squad. Defensively? Well, not always ideal. But Portland’s fall this season was due mostly to injuries. Assuming they stick together, they should be contending for a top-4 seed again.

 

6. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kris Middleton: Milwaukee Bucks

One’s the reigning and likely MVP: 30 points, 14 rebounds, and everything in between. Middleton has always been solid in every area, but he elevated this season, with a 21/6/4 statline, same as Paul George. Can Middleton be counted on when Giannis is crowded in the playoffs?

 

5. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson: Golden State Warriors.

They are the best shooting backcourt in NBA history. They just need to get healthy again. Klay Thompson didn’t rely on athleticism, so the ACL injury doesn’t seem insurmountable. Curry should be fine. They’ll be even better if Andrew Wiggins can give them a third threat, and take some pressure off.

 

4. James Harden and Russell Westbrook: Houston Rockets

The most controversial duo? Sure. James Harden is constantly criticized for his ball-pounding style of play and Russell Westbrook has been criticized in the past for only caring about triple-doubles. And they’ve both had down moments in the postseason, especially Harden. The stats, though, can’t be ignored. Harden leads the league in scoring and Westbrook was surging before the shutdown.

 

3. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving: Brooklyn Nets

We haven’t seen it yet, but have a sense of how good it could be. First, Durant needs to get healthy, but it appears that’s already happened. Irving needs to show, again, that he can share the ball and the spotlight. But this dueo has the potential to leap to No. 1 if their games connect as expected. They may be unguardable.

 

2. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George: Los Angeles Clippers

The top two-way duo. Only load management has kept them out of the top spot in the West. They can guard every position, score and distribute. George has something to prove in the postseason, but we’ve all seen what Leonard does there. Both in their prime, too. So this isn’t ending anytime soon.

 

 

1. LeBron James and Anthony Davis: Los Angeles Lakers

Rejuvenated by playing with another top-5 player,. LeBron put up 26 points a game along with 8 rebounds and 11 assists. LeBron has stepped aside in some ways for Davis, who can score at all three levels. Can LeBron continue at this pace? Can Davis hold up physically? And will Davis sign long-term? Those are the only questions. These two guys are the scariest duo for any team they go against.

 

Brady Hawk (@MiamiHawk607) is the youngest member of Five Reasons Sports, and the only one who aspires to be a sports agent. Hear him discuss this piece on Five on the Floor. 

5 Reasons the Heat were Successful this Season

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In a recurring Five Reasons series, here’s a quick look at why the Miami Heat went 41-24 before the NBA eason was suspended…

1. Jimmy Butler has done exactly what Pat Riley brought him here to do.

Jimmy Butler came into this season with the Heat with a lot of doubt. Many said he came to Miami to retire. Well that discussion ended quickly when the Heat started the season with an 11-3 record. It was clear right away that Jimmy made everyone better on the court, due to his unselfishness and hunger to win.

2. Bam Adebayo stepped up as “The Guy.”

Bam Adebayo did not have much hype around his name at the start of the season, but once he got the role that he’s wanted since he’s been drafted, he flourished. He’s almost doubled his points per game from last year, while averaging three more assists and three more rebounds than he did last year. Stats don’t show what Bam has done for this Heat team though. He’s a young star that is prospering right in front of our eyes.

3. The young guys grew up quick.

After the Heat drafted Tyler Herro, there was some uncertainty if he was the right pick for this team. Well, he was. He proved in Summer League and pre-season that he had the ability to help this team win. Duncan Robinson also was a guy no one thought would be in the rotation, let alone start. He has been one of the key players for this team and has broken many Miami Heat three point records along the way. Kendrick Nunn is another guy that flourished in the Summer League, but who would’ve thought he would’ve been the starting point guard to begin the season. Well, he did and has been in the discussion of Rookie of the Year.

4. The role players had no problem accepting their roles.

As sometimes these guys don’t get as much credit, they deserve it. Goran Dragic could’ve caused problems by saying he wants to have a bigger role as he’s not getting any younger. Meyers Leonard could’ve said that he wants more of a scoring role instead of just being a spacer, spot up shooter, and floor general. But they didn’t. They want to help this team win as much as possible which is why they’re here. Jae Crowder and Andre Iguodala got brought in at the deadline to have experience going into the playoffs, and they both know their roles as well. These guys are major contributors to their success.

5. Chemistry actually matters.

When you walk into the Miami Heat locker room, you can feel the connection. These guys enjoy playing and being around each other, which is actually not common. This is the reason the Heat moved on from certain players that seemed to be a cancer in the locker room. Every player on this team now has the same mentality which is that they will do anything they can to win. You can see this chemistry on the court and hold each other to a high standard, which is exactly what Pat Riley loves to see in his players.

Miami Takes Down Dallas in Bounce Back Game

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The Miami Heat needed a win desperately, and they got one, looking like their early season form in a 126-118 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.

Some of the highlights…

Dallas was 13 games over .500 coming into this game and Miami needed to defend the three at a high level if they wanted to win this game. Miami was once again without Tyler Herro and Meyers Leonard who could be out for a couple more weeks at least. The Heat were hoping to find one of the bench role pieces to accept a new role, and take a more prominent role in the offense to make up for those guys not being out there.

The guys in the Heat locker room know that Jimmy Butler should be a little selfish at times and take over on the offensive side of the ball from the start of the game. Well, that’s what he did in the first quarter, leading the way with eleven first quarter points. Kendrick Nunn also began the game with confidence shooting the ball, going 2 for 2 from beyond the arc in the first quarter. The troubles in the first came by Dallas’ Tim Hardaway Jr who started the game with 8 straight points. The Heat were tied with the Mavericks 31-31 at the end of the first.

The second quarter was lead by Dragić and Olynyk off of the bench, who combined for 15 second quarter points. Derrick Jones Jr replaced Olynyk in the starting lineup tonight and it seemed to pay off. Olynyk played well with the bench group and got his three point shooting going early. Duncan Robinson also helped the Heat in the second quarter with 9 points while hitting two threes and an And 1, which gave Miami great momentum after a tough layup on Porzingis. The Heat lead at the half 63-55.

The third quarter was a bit of a turnaround for the Heat after Dallas started to make a big run. This run was made behind Dallas’ Seth Curry and Luka Doncic who combined for 25 points in the third alone. Miami kept looking for somebody to give them momentum, but with every player having a negative plus/minus in the third quarter, it was tough. If the Heat could adjust their perimeter defensive struggles in the third then Miami could win, but the Heat trailed 93-88.

Duncan Robinson led the way in the fourth quarter as well, scoring 9 points and hitting two threes. He finished the game with a very efficient 24 points with six threes. Miami, needing to make a fourth quarter run, decided the best way to do it would be spreading the ball around. Every player scored in the fourth quarter except Jones Jr, who was making himself a problem on the defensive side of the ball instead. Miami hit some big shots down the stretch of this game and won it 126-118.

This game was a much needed win due to the fact that this Heat locker room needs to bring the fun back to these games like Bam Adebayo said yesterday in practice. The Heat play with a different fire at home when they play off of the intensity of the crowd. The home crowd seems to affect their defensive intensities more than their offense at times, which is always a great thing. Butler finished the game with 26 points on 8-14 shooting from the field, which getting him back to 100% is all Miami needs. Now Miami needs to prepare for another game tomorrow night against Brooklyn for a tough back to back. A win against the Nets will give the Heat the momentum they’ve needed after a very tough stretch.

 

Miami Heat: Several factors point to a win for struggling Heat

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As the Miami Heat get set to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, they will be looking to bounce back from their difficult loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. The good news for Miami is that Jimmy Butler will return to the lineup.

Butler has been out for the past two games. His loss has certainly been felt. Butler is the leading scorer for the Miami Heat with 20.6 points per contest. The last game he played in was against Atlanta. In that game, he scored 17 points. His presence on the floor as well as the energy he brings to the entire team has been sorely missed.

Miami Heat need to capitalize on opportunity

Not only will Butler return, but Minnesota star Karl-Anthony Towns will be out for Wednesday’s game. Leading the team in scoring with 26.5 points per game and rebounds with 10.8, he does it all. His well-rounded game is certainly an asset for Minnesota.

With the Timberwolves coming into Wednesday night’s action at 16-40 , they need a win badly themselves. Minnesota has lost 18 of the last 19 games, and is currently on a five-game losing streak.

All of the stars are aligning for Miami to have a bounce-back game on Wednesday. Especially with Miami’s key player coming back and Minnesota losing one, this is a perfect chance to get back on the right track. Miami has struggled after the All- Star Break.

Thankfully, they are playing at home. They have had tremendous success in their friendly confines, posting a 23-3 record.

Miami should be able to count on solid production from Bam Adebayo and Butler against Minnesota. Adebayo in particular has been playing strongly. He will need to have a repeat performance from Monday. The Miami Heat need this win in order to keep pace in the Eastern Conference.

They have to take advantage of opportunities that they are given. No superstar for Minnesota is certainly opens the door for a victory. Butler coming back allows this offense to have more of a rhythm and flow to it. Hopefully, Butler’s return will lead to success, and more cohesiveness on the floor.

Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler out against Cavaliers on Saturday

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A key member of the Miami Heat will not play tonight. Jimmy Butler is not going to be in the lineup against the Cavaliers for personal reasons. It is not injury related and it is not related to his newborn child.

Butler has been a workhorse for the Miami Heat this season. He has recorded 20.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He has also managed to be an apt playmaker. Recording 6.2 assists per contest, he had nine in Thursday night’s loss to Atlanta.

This is a tough break for a Miami Heat team that will be looking to bounce back from the loss to the Hawks. They are facing a Cavaliers team that has had a tough go of things. They are the 15th in the Eastern Conference with a 15-40 record. Most recently, they beat the Washington Wizards 113-108.

Miami Heat look to bounce back

This is a big game for Miami as they look to keep pace with the rest of the Eastern Conference. The leading scorer in Miami’s last game was Bam Adebayo. He had 28 points and 19 rebounds. The All-Star will look to continue stuffing the statsheet on Saturday night.

Saturday night is also a special evening as the Miami Heat will retire Dwayne Wade’s jersey. Wade is a Miami legend, and it is great to see him getting his due on Saturday. Saturday also marks the three-year anniversary of the trade that sent Wade from the Cleveland Cavaliers to Miami.

As you may recall, Wade’s tenure in Cleveland was an effort to get as many star possible players around Lebron James as possible. Unfortunately for both parties, it did not work out as expected.

Saturday should work out much better for Wade and the Miami Heat as it should be a fun celebration of an iconic figure in the Miami sports scene. Tipoff is set for 8 PM.

Jimmy Butler takes his new Heat culture to Chicago

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The media were waiting for Jimmy Butler in Chicago.

Butler, after all, make his name here — rising from 30th overall pick to Most Improved Player, All-Star, and maximum salary candidate player, even though he would have to go elsewhere to get that last reward.

Now Butler is back, as a member of the Miami Heat and of team Giannis in the 2020 All-Star Game.

He was a few minutes late getting to the podium Saturday for his scheduled availability but, once he did, he did not disappoint.

Here are a few of Butler’s more illuminating and/or amusing thoughts on his transition to the Heat and more.

First, the arrival….

Next, the deep thoughts on the changes to the All-Star Game.

He’s been, um, racking his brain about this one…

Then, on the Heat’s plan after the break…

His assimilation to the Miami culture…

What he has learned about Miami Heat president Pat Riley…

More on the Heat as they chase a home court seed…

How he feels about being a villain….

More praise for his All-Star and Heat teammate, Bam Adebayo…

And of course, the continued taunting of Philadelphia 76er fans..

Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo selected to All-Star Game

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The Miami Heat will be sending two representatives to the All Star Game in Chicago. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo will both be there, as the reserves were announced Thursday night.

For Butler, this will be his fifth All-Star appearance. Adebayo will be appearing in the game for the first time.

Butler is having a great year for Miami. Many thought he was snubbed for not being a starter, with the selections taking place last week. On the season, Butler is  averaging 20.2 points per contest to go along with 6.9 rebounds per game and 6.4 assists per game.

Both are thriving for Miami Heat

Butler’s impact goes beyond the statistics sheet however. He is a veteran on a youthful basketball team. While the team itself may have flaws, Butler has helped carry this group and masked those deficiencies. By all accounts, it seems like he is embracing the role of being a leader. His guidance is allowing Miami to stay in the hunt for a top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. In what has been an overachieving year for the team, he has led the way.

Adebayo is having a tremendous year himself. He is averaging 16 points per game on the season to go along with 10.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest. The rebounds, assists, and points are all career-highs for him. He has established himself as a dependable player for Miami. Miami has been waiting for him to have this type of year ever since he came into the league in 2017.

Now, it appears he is delivering. Not only that, Adebayo looks extremely comfortable within the offense.

With two Miami representatives in the game, there will certainly be something for Heat fans to watch. In what should be a fun weekend overall, these selections give the game a little extra meaning for players and fans alike.

Heat lineups

Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler Snubbed as All-Star Game starter

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The Miami Heat star will not be a starter for the All-Star Game.

Jimmy Butler will almost certainly represent the Miami Heat in the 69th edition of the All-Star Game. Held at the United Center in Chicago Illinois, this will be a homecoming of sorts for him.

However, he will not be a starter. Instead, unless Joel Embiid’s injury keeps him out of the contest — opening a spot in the frontcourt — he will be a reserve.

He played at the United Center frequently as a member of the Chicago Bulls from 2011-2017. Drafted by the Bulls with the 30th overall pick in 2011, he had great success while there.

Butler has been having a career year, and it has shown with how well the Miami Heat have played. In 38 games, he has averaged 20.3 points per game. Averaging seven rebounds and 6.5 assists per contest, he is bringing a multifaceted game to the table.

He is also bringing veteran leadership to a roster full of youth. The Miami Heat have several young players that that could turn out to be cornerstones for the franchise. Right now, it is all about development. Butler has been instrumental in helping the team succeed on the court. The fact that he is not a starter for the All-Star Game is surprising. Charles Barkley was surprised with how voting went.

More Barkley here.

It’s strange to hear him stand up for anyone on the Heat, considering the constant jabs he always took at Dwyane Wade.

For Butler, once he’s selected, it will be his fifth All-Star game. He was selected to be a part of the 2018 All-Star Game while with Philadelphia. However, he elected to rest instead as he was battling with injuries.

The Miami Heat are sitting pretty in the Eastern Conference. They are second in the conference, only to the Milwaukee Bucks. With a 27-12 record they have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season. The fact that he was sixth in player voting was surprising as well. However, Barkley offered a reason for why that occurred.

Butler should have been a starter for this game, in light of the Heat’s success and his role in it. Nevertheless, the fact that that he will be a reserve is at least some sort of silver lining. It’s certainly unfortunate, but Butler could use this as more motivation.

And what about Bam Adebayo joining Butler as a reserve, as he should?

We’ll find out next week.