Jimmy Butler returned to the court Friday night for tipoff between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets, having served a seven-game penalty for “conduct detrimental to the team.” Via his agent Bernie Lee, Butler briefly acknowledged the circumstances earlier today on X, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps: “I’m back.”
The two-word statement quotes Michael Jordan’s announcement upon resuming his basketball career in 1994-95. Bontemps noted that the Milwaukee Bucks’ dream deadline target also posted pics of Michael Jordan’s no. 45 jersey, which Jordan wore for the remainder of his Bulls tenure instead of his previous no. 23.
While some may question the implied parallel between Butler’s return from suspension and Jordan’s unretirement after a two-year grieving period due to his father’s shooting, JB is nothing if not dramatic.
Jimmy Butler Back in the Lineup But Still Center Stage in Trade Drama
In each of the two games before the team-enforced ban, a win against the Pelicans and a loss to the Pacers, Butler scored just nine points while attempting just five and six shots and playing 25 and 27 minutes, respectively. Coming off an ankle injury that had kept him out since December 20, many would expect a transition period. To Heat owner Pat Riley, however, Butler’s reduced involvement bespoke a lack of effort from the disgruntled star.
After the Pacers loss, Butler told the media he didn’t anticipate getting his “joy back” in Miami. The team suspended him the next day.
Although his timeout is over, the Heat could have very well kept him benched. But Coach Erik Spoelstra explained that starting Butler versus Denver “gives us the best chance tonight.” He will play alongside guards Tyler Hero and Duncan Robinson, forward Haywood Highsmith, and center Bam Adebayo.
In a down year, Butler is averaging 17.6 PTS, 5.5 REB, and 4.7 AST while shooting a career-best 55.2% on field goals. A trade for Butler is reportedly the only one in which Milwaukee would consider moving forward Khris Middleton.
“Really None of Your Business”: Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra Has Had Enough
The details of Butler’s soured–downright rotten–relationship with the franchise have been well-chronicled. Throughout the suspension, ESPN fans have been barraged with daily updates revealing the latest bit of gossip.
Bontemps reported that Spoelstra “repeatedly asked for only basketball questions” in an introductory statement during his pregame media session:
“It’s my job to prepare this team and get it ready to play at a high level, and that’s what I’m doing. That’s what the plan is. My methods for doing it are really none of your business. You’re all looking for drama, I’m looking for getting this team ready to play at a high level.”
Tell it, Coach Spoelstra. At 20-19, Miami is 8th in the East and just two games behind the Bucks in 4th. There is no indication that the Heat will enter tank-mode following a Butler trade. Rather, Riley wants this team to contend regardless of personnel. In the thick of the race, they have plenty to fight for.
Spoelstra continued, referencing the health Miami can finally enjoy missing only guard Josh Richardson against the Nuggets:
“As far as silly questions like, ‘What is the temperature of the room’ or ‘how is everybody feeling,’ that just sounds so dramatic. We’re professionals, we’re fine, we’re ready for tonight’s game, and that’s the only thing that matters. We’re looking forward to getting back on the wood. We’ve been on the road for a while, and we’re complete, so we’re looking forward to getting this thing tipped off.”
The Bucks tip off a game of their own Friday night against Toronto (10-31) looking for their 6th win in seven games. Preliminary moves must be made, but if Milwaukee has its way, the Heat won’t be quite so complete–at least, the roster will be altered–following the February 6 trade deadline.
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