Jimmy Butler Says Miami Heat Appreciating Him is What Makes Him a Better Player

Jimmy Butler had another superstar performance against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of Eastern Conference finals

So many fans question what Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler does to elevate his game in the playoffs. 

After defeating the Boston Celtics Wednesday night, Butler explained the motivation to these performances.

“I feel like with anything in life, if you get the opportunity and you have the belief that my teammates, my coaches, and the ownership have in me to lead the charge with Bam right now, anything is possible,” Butler said. “I’m playing at an incredible level because they’re allowing me to do so. They’re not putting a limit on my game, they’re trusting me with the ball on the defensive end. And I think that’s what any basketball player wants. That’s what anybody wants out of life. Just to be wanted and appreciated.”

Butler’s transformation into a superstar on the Heat is marveled by those who watched him on the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers. Butler was always a good player, but not nearly to the degree of what he is doing in Miami. The “feeling of being appreciated” could allude to the issues he had with his previous teams. Butler was once labeled as a locker room cancer that negatively impacted team chemistry.

Now, he is in the conversation of being one of the best leaders in today’s game. His latest display was a 35-point performance with five rebounds, seven assists and six steals. Kyle Lowry acknowledged Butler’s impact on the team, saying, “I think it’s just great to be a part of this run he’s been on. That’s what he does. He's one of the best players in the world for a reason.”

"He's one of the best players in the world for a reason."

Kyle Lowry on Jimmy Butler's Playoff run 🔊#NBAConferenceFinals presented by @GooglePixel_US pic.twitter.com/6IKoJjG6EU

— NBA (@NBA) May 18, 2023

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.