Jimmy Butler returned from his seven-game suspension in the Miami Heat‘s 133-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Kaseya Center on Friday. A lot has been said about Butler during his time on the sidelines and he had some things to get off his chest in his postgame press conference.
Reporter: “What’s it like to come back and play for a team that’s suspended you seven games without pay when you know that they’re still talking about a possible trade? What’s that dynamic like to step back into?
Jimmy Butler: “I guess it’s basketball at this point. I know what I’m expected to do while I’m here and try to do that to the best of my ability. But we are where we are.”
Reporter: “How much uncertainty was there about playing tonight? Did you think you were going to play after the suspension?”
Butler: “I knew I was going to play.”
Reporter: “Jimmy, there’s a lot said the last couple of weeks. I know it’s hard to clear everything up in one second but what was the plan going forward when you knew you were coming back? Was this the plan? Did you know you were at seven games, you were going to play tonight?”
Butler: “Yeah, I mean that’s what they had told me. But it was a lot said by everybody, except for me, to tell you the truth. So, we’ll let people keep talking like they know everything and they have all the answers. And then, sooner or later, the whole truth will come out. But, until then, we will continue to let people talk. If I’m here, I will get out there and play.”
Butler, who had been suspended due to multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team, was also asked about his now-infamous comment that he can’t play with joy for the Heat anymore. Interestingly, the 35-year-old stated he had been told to say “no comment” to that question and hence, that was his answer.
Butler added as well that he had no beef with any of his teammates and that it felt great to step out on the court with them. The six-time All-Star didn’t seem too happy pregame, though.
As for Butler’s play on his return, he had 18 points (7-15 FG), three rebounds, and two assists against the Nuggets. He played much better in the second half than the first but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Heat from getting blown out and dropping to 20-20 on the season.
For Butler, this clash against the Nuggets would ideally be one of his last games with the Heat, as he wants out. There remains a good chance, though, that he isn’t dealt before the Feb 6. trade deadline as it has been reported that great offers aren’t on the table. Butler was asked what would happen if he is still with the team post the deadline and stated he’d “hoop.”
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that the Heat do not want Butler around the team. There were worries about what kind of chaos he might cause but it doesn’t appear as if anything has happened thus far. The team would be hoping it stays that way.
Butler will be in action next on Sunday when the Heat take on the San Antonio Spurs at Kaseya Center at 3 PM ET.
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