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Jimmy Butler Reacts to Miami Heat Acquiring Victor Oladipo

Published 03/27/2021, 9:30 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Miami Heat were one of the winners from the NBA’s trade deadline. Without giving up a lot, they brought in another All-Star in Victor Oladipo, and also acquired Nemanja Bjelica. With the Eastern Conference getting tougher, the Heat are strengthening their roster as well.

Oladipo is now the third All-Star on the team after Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. He was linked with a move to the Heat since the start of the season. It took a few months, but it has finally happened.

After their game against the Hornets, Butler spoke about their new arrivals. He said, “I think both of those guys help us in numerous amount of ways. Spacing the floor. Being able to get their own shot. We’ll be able to do a lot of switching with those guys. Can’t wait for them to get here, to introduce them to the squad and culture.”

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And in his next answer, Butler praised Oladipo. “He’s a hell of a player in this league, we know that,” he said.

Can Victor Oladipo be the difference-maker for the Miami Heat in their quest for a title?

The Heat reached the NBA Finals last season, for the first time in six years. However, similar to the 2014 Finals, they were on the losing side. But it was still an outstanding campaign for them, since no one expected them to reach that stage.

But this season, they have been far below expectations. They are barely hanging onto a playoff spot currently and are on a six-game losing streak.

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USA Today via Reuters

So Oladipo is a huge addition in such circumstances. The Heat need him to partner Butler and get them out of the current mess, and form a deadly partnership for the playoffs. Oladipo only has 16 games of playoff experience. While that isn’t ideal, the Heat did a lot with much lesser experience last season.

USA Today via Reuters

They need Oladipo to be a closer alongside Butler and be the two-way force he has shown to be over the years. He has been inefficient this season, but that was because of a high usage rate. He won’t have to do that in Miami, and will just have to play his role as the Heat aim to do the unthinkable this season and go on to win the title.

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Written by:

Aaron Mathew

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Aaron Mathew is a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Mass Media from Xavier’s College, Aaron has been a part of EssentiallySports since May 2020 where he covers both NBA and NCAA basketball news, and has also covered NBA 2K. In the past, Aaron has worked at the Sports Desk of Mumbai Mirror.
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