Neymar Jr. Snubs Giannis Antetokounmpo off His Favorite NBA Players List, Adds ‘Close Friend’ Jimmy Butler As A 6th Man

An avid basketball fan, football sensation Neymar Jr. graced the NBA Finals with his presence in Games 3 and 4. A close friend of Jimmy Butler, the Paris Saint-Germain forward was seen supporting the Miami Heat all postseason long. Admitting his admiration towards the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals MVP, it is only right that “Ney” adds Butler to his all-time top 5 list. However, the Heat star was the sixth name, following the likes of Michael Jordan, Kobe, Shaq, LeBron James, and Steph Curry. Surprisingly, the 2015 UCL winner left out Giannis Antetokounmpo from the list.

Giannis and Neymar are very good friends who have visited each other’s games on several occasions. A huge football enthusiast, the Greek Freak once even asked PSG stars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe if he could join the French franchise as a striker.

I need a spot on the team @neymarjr @KMbappe @PSG_inside let me be your striker 🔥⚽️ https://t.co/3ejI8y1QPo

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) March 31, 2020

Despite their camaraderie, the 31-year-old left the two-time MVP off his prestigious list.

Neymar Jr. adds Jimmy Butler as the sixth player in his top 5 list

In a must-see interview with NBA Brasil, Neymar was asked to name his all-time top 5 list. Without any hesitation, the Brazilian superstar named MJ, Bryant, O’Neal, LBJ, and Steph. One would naturally assume that his list would be over after naming the two-time Warriors MVP. However, making a special case for his buddy, Neymar added Butler to the list as the sixth player and even gave out a reason for doing the same.

“Jordan, Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron, Curry, and Jimmy. Jimmy deserves a spot because he is making history.”

By making history, the left winger shed light on Jimmy G Buckets’ leading the #8-seeded Heat to an improbable run to the Finals. Indeed, it was a terrific playoff outing by Jimmy that left everyone in awe.

While Neymar’s list of players is pretty solid, it is shocking that he has snubbed his friends – Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant – that he has made several public appearances. Clearly, it seems as if the Heat’s 6-foot-7 superstar is a better friend than the two big men.

Butler once expressed his desire of sharing the pitch with Neymar and Mbappe

Back in 2021, Jimmy was invited to make an appearance for a GQ Sports video. In the episode of “Actually Me“, Butler went undercover to answer fans’ questions from different social media platforms.

During the course of the video, the Heat leader revealed his desire of wanting to play for the Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking about playing alongside PSG’s deadly duo, the Marquette alum also regarded Neymar as his football GOAT.

“I would definitely have to say PSG, I think if I’m alongside Mbappe, the greatest to ever do it in Neymar Jr. I feel like they’re gonna make me look like I really know what I’m doing out there on the pitch. It’d be a battle. I mean, me and Neymar going head to head for who’s gonna wear 10. I don’t know. But PSG! That’s the way I’m going.”

We saw Neymar hit a few shots prior to Game 3 of the 2023 Finals. We only hope that Butler reciprocates by making an appearance at a PSG practice.