First Things First Debated Jimmy Butler Calling Heat Culture “Overused”

Bryan Townes | Mar 25, 2025

Mar 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) drives on Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat’s “Heat Culture” continues to make waves across the media, as many question the slogan's validity.

Throughout Jimmy Butler’s successful tenure in Miami, Heat Culture has been a way to summarize the organization's success. Despite the lack of overall talent, Butler led them to three Eastern Conference appearances and two Finals appearances. Each of those appearances had the most G-League and undrafted players for any team who made deep postseason runs in NBA history.

Ultimately, many believe the slogan has become worn out. In 2024, Heat fans questioned if Heat Culture had finally reached its limit after a mediocre regular season resulted in a first-round exit against the Boston Celtics. Before the matchup against his former team, Butler told the media he believed the slogan was “overused.” He thought it's more about players buying into a winning mindset.

On First Things First, Nick Wright and Chris Broussard shared differing opinions on the slogan's meaning and whether it is used too much.

“I agree with Butler on this because as much as there is a legitimate Heat Culture and it is great, it does get a little too much publicity,” Broussard said. “Heat Culture for the past five years is Jimmy Butler. Spoelstra is a good coach, but the Heat Culture existed before Spoelstra was the head coach. It is about Jimmy Butler because when he hasn’t been there, they haven’t done much in the playoffs. But when he’s there, they get to the finals.”

Nick Wright pushed back on the notion about Heat Culture only performs well with stars because of many undrafted players who stepped up in the playoffs.

“I agree they win championships just like everybody else,” Wright said. “However, let us not forget the Caleb Martin series and the Gabe Vincent and Duncan Robinson. Jimmy Butler was the best player and was great. He elevated his game, and it was great. And then it’s like oh my god, these role players are locked and dialed in.”

FORMER MIAMI HEAT PLAYER CLAIMS STEPHEN CURRY IS THE “BEST PLAYER EVER”

The GOAT debates usually involve four players: Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant. It's typically narrowed down to Jordan for his tenure as the greatest scorer in league history, and James because of his longevity and versatility.

However, Golden State Warriors legend Steph Curry solidified himself as the greatest shooter of all time and has entered the top 10 players of all time for many. At the very least, it’s undeniable that Curry’s impact on basketball has become a perimeter-oriented league. This has led to some former players saying he belongs in the GOAT debate, including former Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo.

Victor Oladipo considers Steph Curry the best player ever 👀

(h/t @terryworst )

pic.twitter.com/bFyQF6T1sU

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 24, 2025

“I would consider him as the best ever,” Oladipo said on The Inner Court podcast. “He’s changed the game completely, bro. I saw him, and I had to guard him. It’s really different. He has changed the game so drastically that guys shoot 50 threes a game now, and that’s only because of him. I’ll give Klay some credit, too. Their style of play in Golden State, but he changed the game completely. I gotta consider you one of the greats if you change the game like that.”

Jimmy Butler Shows Love For Miami Heat Fan Base Upon Return

Despite being a significant piece to several deep post-season runs with the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler has sights set on winning with the Golden State Warriors.

Butler and the Heat have been a part of three Eastern Conference Finals appearances and two Finals appearances through five seasons. However, the Warriors are his new home. Their 16-4 record since the trade deadline has been one of the best in the league. In contrast, the Miami Heat have struggled to win any games, as they are on a 10-game losing streak.

Butler has averaged 17.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on 43.8 percent shooting and 22.7 percent from three-point range. He will likely be the primary option against the Heat, as Stephen Curry may remain out due to injury.

After losing to the Atlanta Hawks, Butler shared his thoughts ahead of the Heat's matchup on Tuesday.

“I love that fanbase,” Butler said. “They showed me a lot of love while I was there, but I’m here to win now. I’m on the opposing team.”

Butler also reflected on how he’s disappointed his Heat tenure wasn’t as successful as planned.

“We was alright,” Butler explained. “We didn’t win nothing like we were supposed to, so I don’t know. We made some cool runs. We had some fun, and I think that’s all we did.”

Bryan Townes is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at btownesjr@gmail.com or on X @bryantownesjr11. Follow our coverage on Facebook