Does Jimmy Butler's Lack Of Regular Season Success Make Him Overrated?
The short answer is no. Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler is not overrated because of the difference in his regular season and playoff success.
However, the narrative is beginning to blossom, as Butler is struggling to sustain a high level of play in the regular season. ESPN analyst Tim Legler kicked off the agenda by questioning the strength of "Regular Season Jimmy." Now, the 'Numbers on the Board' podcast explained their belief that Butler is overrated.
"The reason Jimmy Butler is overrated is because we take that run, and that just propels them," Pierre said. "A lot of guys have had a lot of runs, but that don't diminish the (expletive) that they gotta do. Even though Giannis [Antetokounmpo] has had runs, Giannis gotta perform in the regular season too. Even though [Nikola] Jokic has had runs, Jokic gotta perform in the regular season too. Anthony Davis has had runs and got rings, but if Anthony Davis has a 10-game stretch where he's not performing, they are on his (expletive). They don't do that with Jimmy Butler."
At 34 years old, Butler is past the point of playing 82 games in a season at full strength. And the Heat understand this part of his game. He worked more than the majority of players across the league during his time with the Chicago Bulls, averaging more than 36 minutes in four consecutive years.
Rather than criticizing Butler for his lack of availability in the regular season, the Heat's organization values his superstar-level play in the playoffs.
Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.
He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla.
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