Jimmy Butler avoids ‘shenanigans’ during 2024 NBA media day
MIAMI (BVM) – Jimmy Butler has provided plenty of entertainment on the court throughout his NBA career, but in recent years, he has also done so off the court, particularly during NBA media day.
In 2023, Butler introduced an “Emo Jimmy” look that created a stir across social media. That followed his surprising dreadlocks look at 2022 media day.
Nobody does Media Day like Jimmy Butler does Media Day pic.twitter.com/mjCCblN2rz
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 2, 2023
Jimmy Butler at media day throughout the years.
Which Jimmy Butler look is your favorite? pic.twitter.com/EaH6eICs9M
— Heat Lead 🔥 (@HeatLead) September 30, 2024
While many were anticipating Butler to debut a new look at 2024 NBA media day on Monday, teammate Tyler Herro was instead the only Heat player to do so.
Buzz cut Tyler Herro pic.twitter.com/8bQnShf9vL
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) September 30, 2024
Meanwhile, Butler, who was late to the event due to flight issues in a return from Paris, was all business as he placed his focus on the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.
“I’m here, normal hair, no shenanigans,” Butler said on Monday. “I’ve been running around, trying to make it back here. I’m just happy that I’m here safe and sound.”
We got locked in Jimmy Butler this media day 🔥
(via @BallyHEAT) pic.twitter.com/Q25lxj3KjW
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) September 30, 2024
Butler’s appearance at media day not only held intrigue based on how he might look, but also given the fact that it has been an interesting offseason when it comes to his relationship with the Heat. The six-time All-Star remains under contract with Miami this season but has a player option for next year and has sought an extension recently.
The expectation is that Butler will participate in Tuesday's opening training-camp practice at the Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas. Eligible for a contract extension since early July, Butler remains somewhat in contract limbo, with Heat President Pat Riley, in his season-closing… https://t.co/bhFmMOMQep
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) September 30, 2024
Heat president Pat Riley made some interesting remarks regarding Butler’s future with the team at his end-of-season press conference in May, seemingly calling out the star forward’s availability.
“We don’t have to do that for a year,” Riley said. “We have not discussed that internally right now, but we have to look at that, making that kind of commitment and when do we do it. We don’t have to do it until ‘25 actually, but we’ll see. We haven’t made a decision on it.
“It’s a big decision on our part to commit those kinds of resources unless you have somebody who’s really going to be there, available every single night.”
Following a surprise run to the NBA Finals as a No. 8 seed in 2023, the Heat actually improved their regular-season record to 46-36 last season but fell in the first round of the playoffs in five games to the eventual NBA champion Celtics, a series Butler missed due to an MCL sprain suffered in the team’s play-in matchup against the 76ers.
Injuries often impacted Butler’s 2023-24 campaign as he suited up in just 60 games, but the six-time All-Star still played a vital role in the Heat’s success, averaging 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and five assists while shooting just shy of 50% from the field.
After the Heat’s opening-round playoff loss, Butler posted a video on social media stating, “If I was playing, Boston would be at home.”
“If I was playing, Boston would be at home.”
Jimmy Butler says the Heat would’ve beaten the Celtics if he was healthy 👀 pic.twitter.com/J3DsWm9u2g
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) May 4, 2024
That also rubbed Riley the wrong way when asked about the quote at his season-ending press conference.
“If you’re not on the court playing against Boston or on the court playing against the New York Knicks, you should keep your mouth shut on the criticism of those teams,” Riley said.
Riley also stated at the time that he had no plans to trade Butler, but rumors have surfaced throughout the offseason that a deal could be in play, perhaps with teams like the Lakers and Warriors.
For now, Butler remains the key piece on a talented Heat squad that returns Bam Adebayo, Herro and Terry Rozier. He appears healthy coming into the 2024-25 campaign and will play an important part in Miami getting back to the form it was in during its 2023 playoff run. That’s something Erik Spoelstra made clear at his media day press conference, noting that both he and Butler have to reach a higher level to be able to bring home the Heat’s first championship since 2013.
“He’s at a point now where he needs me to really coach this team at a high level,” Spoelstra said. “He needs me to coach him at a high level and push him to higher levels. And I need him to be at his highest level as a player and a leader.”
Butler’s contract situation and play will likely be in the spotlight throughout the 2024-25 season, but for now, he remains focused on what he can control and continuing to make his team better while on the court.
“An extension is just a couple of dollars,” Butler said on Monday. “I just want to play basketball, be available like Pat was talking about. And I plan on being that.”
