USA Today via Reuters
Sep 19, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) controls the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half of game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 19, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) controls the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half of game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The team that comes to everyone’s mind when we think about this season’s champions is definitely Miami Heat. They are very deserving contenders who have lost a total of just 2 games over the course of their entire Playoffs run this season. Currently competing with the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, they are holding a 2-1 lead over the Celtics’ head. However, a lot of the credit for this splendid performance goes to their star player Jimmy Butler.
But what do you think molded Butler into the leader that he is? Or more like who? The answer is very simple, and it’s the one and only Dwyane Wade.
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Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade’s bond that paved the way for Butler’s excellence in Miami Heat
The landscape of the Miami Heat changed for the better when Butler joined their ranks in 2019. They traded off Josh Richardson to the Philadelphia 76ers to make room for him.
During Butler’s time in the Chicago Bulls, an unexpected incident occurred. Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade was acquired by the Chicago Bulls, even though Wade would leave the Heat.
Eventually, Wade revealed that he had left Heat because he wanted to play with Jimmy Butler. On ESPN Daily, Pablo S. Torre and Nick Friedell discuss what has made Butler into the player he is today.
USA Today via Reuters
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) reacts after scoring against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of an NBA basketball first round playoff game, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Pablo asked Nick why he thinks the Heat wanted Butler in their time and inquired, “Why did they feel like he would fit with them so well?” Nick explained, “In order to understand this story, Pablo, it is crucial to go back to Jimmy’s last year in Chicago.
“The Key for the Bulls at that moment was signing Dwayne Wade. And it was really a stunner, not only for the Bulls organization but all across the league. Because nobody thought that Wade would actually leave Miami.
“But Wade was brought in to show Jimmy the ropes and to teach him what it takes to be the face of a team.”
Today’s #ESPNDaily dives into the psyche of Jimmy Butler with @NickFriedell, who‘s covered Jimmy since 2011 in Chicago. Which is where Dwyane Wade emerged as a sleeper agent for #HeatCulture, planting seeds for Miami, while they were both Bulls… 🎧: https://t.co/TVYn0wx8Va pic.twitter.com/PItnzLvnBm
— Pablo S. Torre (@PabloTorre) September 22, 2020
Are the Miami Heat heading for the championship?
Looking at the kind of mentorship Butler has received, the Heat tick all the boxes required to be the champions. They need to make sure they hold on to their lead against the Celtics.
The Boston Celtics are hot off a win against the defending champions. There is no reason to underestimate the Celtics, and the Heat have to give it their all to make it to the NBA Finals.
