It seems like the NBA bubble was a great spot for redemption. Dwight Howard got his redemption with the Los Angeles Lakers by winning a title in Orlando, and Jimmy Butler got his redemption after being deemed a toxic and bad teammate earlier in his career.
Butler embraced a leadership role since the very second he showed up at South Beach and helped a young, promising team reach basketball’s ultimate stage.
Jimmy led by example, made everybody around him better and made sure to let everybody know just how important they were to the team’s success. He knew he was the alpha dog, yet never said it and talked up his teammates every time he had the chance to do so.
And now, he posted a heartfelt message in the wake of their loss in the Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, claiming that they’ll definitely be back to that stage:
“THANK YOU Miami, the entire @MiamiHeat organization, Coach Spo, our coaches, and my teammates for a great first season. appreciate all the love and support from Heat Nation and our fans. Best believe we will be back. #Culture,” Butler wrote.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGOrRkihe74
There’s no reason to think that the Heat can’t go back to the Finals. They’re a prime free-agent destination with a big market, a strong winning culture, and one of the best coaches in the league. But, as of now, it seems like a lot of people owe Jimmy Butler an apology.
You’re a warrior, Jimmy, and we know you’ll be back.
