Knicks' Josh Hart Suggests Jimmy Butler Waits Until Playoffs To Turn It On

Anthony Pasciolla | Apr 3, 2024

Apr 2, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the basketball against Jimmy Butler - Sam Navarro/USA Today Sports / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

No doubt, "Playoff Jimmy" is a thing.

Last year he proved that by putting up incredible numbers in helping the Miami Heat go from the No. 8 seed to the NBA Finals. He put together a postseason for the ages but some have questioned why Butler waits so long to turn it on. ESPN analyst Tim Legler is among those who think Butler needs to produce more in the regular season.

During an appearance on the AllCity All NBA podcast, Legler was critical of Butler's performance in the Heat's loss to the Denver Nuggets last month. 

"It's one of the reasons I have a hard time, I think, just giving Jimmy Butler maybe even the credit he probably deserves," Legler said. "I just struggle with the whole "Playoff Jimmy." What about "Regular Season Jimmy" when they need you like [Wednesday] night?" 

On Monday, Josh Hart of the New York Knicks came to Butler's defense. Before the Knicks played the Heat Tuesday, Hart said Butler has other things on his mind during the regular season but always makes sure he shows up for the playoffs.

"Jimmy kind of does side quests during the year until about April," Hart told reporters in New York. Then he starts locking in. I’m sure people are going to see that maniac competitive side now that he’s done with the side quests and he’s on to the main quest."

Hart may have a point because Butler has done a lot of stuff off the court this season. Regardless, he's always ready in mid-April.