LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry have long been celebrated not just for their on-court prowess but also for their professionalism and influence on younger players. However, recent events involving Jimmy Butler have led former Wolves star Kevin Garnett to question the commitment levels of today’s players.

On the ‘KG Certified’ podcast, Garnett delved into the Butler-Heat saga, expressing concerns about the current generation’s dedication. He remarked, “Man, this is probably, Brian would probably, Brian, Katie, and Steph would probably be the end of this era. And this era, what I mean, mean, if I do, if I pay you, or if you’re on the contract, be professional, come in, A, B, and C, and then we leave. We don’t have to like each other.”

Furthermore, Garnett pointed out that Butler’s strained relationship with Heat president Pat Riley stemmed from unmet expectations. He noted, “Pat Riley wants bro to come out here, play hard, play, play, we paying you to play. Come out here and play, and then you can go home. All the extra shit, Pat wasn’t feeling that.”

So, what happened between the Heat and Butler? The tension reached a boiling point when Butler requested a trade on January 2, 2025. Soon after, the Heat suspended him indefinitely following an incident where he walked out of practice. This marked Butler’s third suspension in a short period, with previous infractions including violating team rules and missing a flight.

In light of these events, it’s evident that today’s players can draw valuable lessons from veterans like LeBron James.

LeBron James’ take on professionalism

Back in February last year, LeBron James sat in the locker room, reflecting on the weight of his role in the NBA. After two decades in the league, he knew his impact stretched far beyond just winning games.

“It is a responsibility. You know, there are so many kids who look up to us as professional basketball players, look up to us as NBA guys, looked up to me in my two-plus decades as part of the league,” he said. For James, being an NBA superstar wasn’t just about talent—it was about setting an example.

More importantly, he understood his duty toward the league itself. “So, I think it is my responsibility to play the game at the highest level and represent the league with the utmost respect, give back to the league as the league has given me so much, and set an example for the next generation,” he explained. That mindset has made him a role model, not just for young players but for his peers as well.

James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has been in the GOAT debate alongside Michael Jordan for years. But while others may embrace the title, he’s never been one to let it define him.

“‘Oh, I’m the face of the NBA,’ I’ve never even said that. I have just always understood it as a responsibility to be a professional, to be a pro. And I have always done that on and off,” James once said. Maybe today’s generation could take a page from his book.