Miami Heat is missing the presence of one of their biggest stars right now. Jimmy Butler has been out of commission because of COVID, but seems to be nearing his return. This couldn’t come at a better time, as Miami is 6-12 this season. However, they aren’t too many games removed from the playoffs.

Former Miami Heat coach Ron Rothstein spoke about the impact of Butler on this team. Butler may be making his on-court return against the streaky Sacramento Kings tonight, so there is a possibility that the team’s five-game losing streak may be ending.

“When you’re having Jimmy Butler, it changes everything. When we have those guys back, the games going to be different. But when we’re at full strength, we get Jimmy and you got Bam, and you got Tyler, whether he’s starting or coming off the bench. You got Duncan, you pretty much know what you’re going to get on a nightly basis.”

Can Butler lead the Miami Heat through a resurgence?

Jimmy Butler is a game-changer. He has been one for most of his life, but he really proved it last season. He single-handedly led the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals, where he had a gutsy performance against eventual champions, the LA Lakers. Jimmy’s name was finally elevated to that of the NBA elite.

Despite that run, Miami has been overlooked all season. With the resurgence in Philadelphia, Giannis Antetokounmpo re-signing in Milwaukee, and a big three forming in Brooklyn, Miami has fallen out of the conversation. Their performances this season have proven why people have not been talking about them.

Bam Adebayo isn’t playing at the level of a max-contract player, Tyler Herro is weaning off injuries, and the rest of the team isn’t coalescing. The system led them to a title, so it is about the talent on the court. They need Butler back on the court ASAP if they hope to find the form that took them to the NBA Finals last season.