The Miami Heat had to endure a tough season. They were banged up from the first day, didn’t have enough time to heal and even had to deal with Covid-19.
Then again, they were at full strength entering the playoffs and a lot of people thought that they were going to peak at the right time, thus making them the most disappointing teams of the season.
Miami went from making the NBA Finals to being swept in the first round. Moreover, Jimmy Butler was terrible during the series with performances that you wouldn’t expect from a star and team leader.
That’s why ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith called him out, stating that – more than being impressed by Giannis and the Bucks – he was disappointed in Jimmy.
“I am more disappointed in Jimmy Butler,” Smith said. “Jimmy Butler averaged 14.5 points on worse than 30% shooting. You signed a max deal, 4 years of $141 million. Did you know he was eligible for an extension? 4 years, $181 million, guaranteed $36 million next year. You do understand that approaching age 33… you do understand that it’s around the time Miami started giving the Dwyane Wade waivers.”
“But let me be clear, Jimmy Butler is no Dwyane Wade. Not what Dwyane Wade was to the Miami Heat. If they can do something like that to Dwyane Wade, where they have trepidation and apprehension, what the hell do you think they’re thinking about Jimmy Butler now? We can be swept by anybody… and not give up this much money,” he concluded.
No one ever thought that Jimmy Butler was going to be Dwyane Wade 2.0. Wade is one of the greatest shooting guards of all time. Then again, he’s their leader and let them down when it mattered the most.
It’s going to be a long offseason for Pat Riley, Jimmy Butler, and the Miami Heat, but they’ll have plenty of time to get healthy, regroup; and come back stronger than ever.
