Jimmy Butler reportedly turned down an All-Star replacement nod for Kevin Durant because he wanted Bam Adebayo named as well.
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After a historic run to the NBA Finals last year, Jimmy Butler proved to everyone that he has what it takes to be a successful leader. He was very rightfully praised for his Cinderella run with the Miami Heat who defeated some really good contenders to reach the league’s biggest stage. For Jimmy Butler, it has always been more than just his personal accolades. He is known for his leadership and camaraderie.
This year’s All-Star selection had a few players who were not worthy but yet not included in the list. Most notably was the duo from Miami – Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Although, Jimmy Butler’s absence in this year’s auspicious event was not because of being snubbed. It was reportedly because he turned down the option of being an All-Star. Who and why would someone turn down the choice of being an All-Star?
In a recent podcast – ‘Five on the Floor’, Ethan J Skolnick spoke with Greg Sylvander and explained what made Butler take the decision to miss the All-Star game. Skolnick explained:
“For those who were sort of questioning why Jimmy wasn’t named to the All-Star team when [Kevin] Durant went out and it was [Domantas] Sabonis, I can tell you that the NBA wanted to name him (Butler) to the All-Star team. He wasn’t going unless Bam was going.”
NBA was going to name Jimmy Butler an All-Star, but turned it down because Bam Adebayo wasn’t going (via @5ReasonsSports) pic.twitter.com/M7sk4J1mC9
— (@HeatvsHaters) February 27, 2021
‘I’m cool not being an All-Star, it’s Bam Adebayo who should’ve made it’: Jimmy Butler
Butler has missed 12 games till now due to NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Since his return from being sidelined on January 30th, the Heat now have an impressive 10-5 record. They’ve beaten league leaders Utah in doing so.
For Butler, he just wanted that his teammate Bam should’ve made the All-Star team. When he was asked how he felt about not being an All-Star, Butler said:
“I’m cool. I’m not the one to ask about going to All-Star. I wish Bam (Adebayo) would have made it. As for me, I’m cool. No disappointment for me. Zero.”
Not being an All-Star will hurt any player with the caliber of Butler. This will fuel him to play harder and lead his team to more wins. Jimmy Butler has been averaging 20.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game for the Heat.
Last year’s finalists find themselves disappointed with an unimpressive 16-17 record. They are placed 7th in the Eastern Conference. Luckily for the Heat, they have now embarked on a five-game winning streak. There is still half of the season which still remains for the Miami Heat to turn around things in their favor.
