Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler kept it straight during the team’s media day, as he didn’t sport an unusual hairdo this time. Unlike last year, when he said he was in his “emotional state,” the six-time NBA All-Star is all business.
One of the top highlights during the press conference was when reporters asked Butler about Pat Riley’s criticism of him for his availability and antics during last season’s exit interviews, and the 35-year-old swingman finally broke his silence.
“Of course, always want to hoop, always want to be out there for all my guys,” Butler said via ClutchPoints’ Zachary Weinberger. “I hear him, I see what he’s talking about.”
Jimmy Butler is seeking a new contract extension with the Miami Heat, but the front office seems hesitant to give it to him because they want him to play more games. Butler has never played for more than 64 regular season games as a member of the Miami Heat.
Last season, the 2015 NBA Most Improved Player winner averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals on 49.9 percent shooting in 60 regular season games. He didn’t make a single playoff appearance after injuring his knee during their play-in game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra dishes on Jimmy Butler’s fitness
Miami Heat are hoping to have Jimmy Butler at 100 percent next season, and head coach Erik Spoelstra said that the 13-year veteran is in a good place heading into training camp.
“He’s in a good place coming into camp, and he’s prepared himself for this camp,” Spoelstra explained. “First few weeks, it was just a matter of getting his body right from the injury, and then he was able to spend a great deal of time working and preparing. You know, that’s what happens when you have a lot of time off, and we were in contact.”
