Inside The Heat

Andre Iguodala Claims Jimmy Butler Has “Closest” Mentality To Kobe Bryant

During a podcast, former Heat player Andre Iguodala spoke on his view of Jimmy Butler

Anthony Pasciolla

Andre Iguodala Claims Jimmy Butler Has “Closest” Mentality To Kobe Bryant
Andre Iguodala Claims Jimmy Butler Has “Closest” Mentality To Kobe Bryant /
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Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler is known for his winning mentality, similar to that of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

On a recent episode of the Gilbert Arena's podcast, former NBA champion and Heat player Andre Iguodala shared why he views Butler and Bryant so closely.

"Because you always look back and say, how is Jimmy [Butler] getting it done? He can't shoot threes, he can't go left. Whatever they say about Jimmy, he figured it out. I seen him dribble with his right hand left and pull up for a three against Milwaukee [Bucks] this year. He was going crazy," Iguodala said. "He's probably the closest that I've seen to Kobe Bryant with that mentality of just man, Jimmy will figure out a way for us to win. I've never seen a will like that. I'm like this dude got a Kobe Bryant will a will to him to win."

Bryant retired as a five-time champion while Butler has yet to win one. However, the mindset Iguodala is referring to is the reason the Heat are always among the favorites to win the title. He has led Miami to the Finals twice in the past four seasons, falling short to the Lakers and Denver Nuggets.

Iguodala spent two seasons in Miami alongside Butler, where he saw firsthand his winning desire during their 2020 Finals run.

Although Iguodala took some small jabs at Butler’s game, being compared to a player the caliber of Bryant is one of the greatest compliments you can receive.

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Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com or follow him on Tik Tok @anthonysports_

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com

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