Jimmy Butler of theMiami Heatis back in the NBA Finals and that is causing people to talk about his place in the history of the league.
Some people think he is one of the best of this generation, despite the fact that he hasn t yet won a championship ring.
Others think that he is lacking in some important areas.
Stephen A. Smith created a small firestorm online with his latest comments about Butler.
You think about superstars and what we usually get from those superstars in terms of offensive production, that s not Jimmy, Smith said on First Take.
.@stephenasmith doesn’t think Jimmy Butler can be the best player on a championship team
“You think about superstars and what we usually get from those superstars in terms of offensive production, that’s not Jimmy.” pic.twitter.com/x2ejL8VjMV
First Take (@FirstTake) June 9, 2023
This comment from Smith immediately got people talking and almost everyone online came out in support of Butler.
Some people felt that this was just what Butler needed to hear to motivate him before Friday s pivotal Game 3.
Jimmy’s dropping 40 tonight for sure.
Jason Romano (@JasonRomano) June 9, 2023
Meanwhile, others said that Heat fans would have the last laugh after Butler and Miami win the Finals.
Keep all the Receipts Heat fans !!
Shifu (@tee_louwee_91) June 9, 2023
Several people noted that Butler and his Heat are the only team in the league to reach the Finals twice during the era of Stephen Curry and LeBron James.
They may not have won yet but the Heat have been competing against some of the best of the best for years now.
Saying this when he is one of the only players to make it to the Finals TWICE in an era dominated by Curry and Lebron is certainly a choice
Socialmediauser34 (@SMUser34) June 9, 2023
And many others were calling out Smith because Butler has done what other players haven t been able to.
No matter what his offensive production is, Butler is in the Finals again while players like Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant sit at home.
Yo @stephenasmith what makes a superstar? Since Jimmy Butler came up the heat they have been in the finals twice and ECF 3 times. I don t see KD Embid or Jason Tatum there. Do you?
Jacqueline S (@JPS0410) June 9, 2023
Butler has had his issues and his team has certainly fallen short in the past.
But it s clear that he is definitely one of the most important parts if notthemost important part of this Heat roster.
NEXT:
Analyst Says Heat Have ‘Very Little Chance’ To Win Game 4