The NBA has changed a lot since the 90s. The 3-point revolution, the fast pace, and the high scoreboards every game are the perfect example of how different things are now, but there’s something that drastically changed in the last 30 years.
The physicality and intensity we saw when players clashed have changed, too. During the 90s and 2000s, it was easy to see stars getting physical with their rivals, taking things too far sometimes.
That’s not the case right now, and some players would like to have more freedom if they feel disrespected. Jimmy Butler is one of those, as he recently revealed he’d like to throw hands if he feels is right.
Via Complex:
“There are some real rivalries out there. I just think the game has changed in a lot of ways. They’re not letting you get into no brawls no more. Nobody’s going to let you do that,” he said. “I wish that they would let us do that a little bit, if I’m just being honest.”
Butler admits that he wants the league to give more freedom to players to settle their differences on the court, but that’s not happening. Jimmy said that he’s been controlling himself thanks to that, and would like to see more action when things get heated.
“I really do think they’re still there. The game has just changed. It’s not as much banging and knocking people to the ground anymore. You can’t do it like that — you get a flagrant one, a flagrant two, a tech, something. I wish it would go back to that time.”
He also talked about his current relationship with Nikola Jokic, shutting down any possibility of beef with the 2021 NBA MVP.
“I don’t think that’s a rivalry. It sounds good. But I don’t even want to get into it,” Butler said. “[Nikola Jokic is] a hell of a player.”
Jimmy Buckets has stated he’s not afraid of fighting other people on the court, but the league has made sure to nullify any idea he could have in an altercation. Most players bluff when they act tough, but not many are willing to risk a big fine if they’re really mad.
