Jimmy Butler’s Style Of Play Recently Drew Comparisons From Former Player Paul Pierce
In today’s era, a lot of NBA pundits find joy in comparing modern players to past ones.
Miami Heat’s star Jimmy Butler has recently drawn comparisons from former NBA player Paul Pierce. In a recent episode of Hoops Tonight, Jason Timpf said Butler is the Pierce of this era due to their tendencies.
“I think Jimmy Butler is the perfect comp for Paul Pierce,” Timpf said. “I wouldn’t say he’s the Jimmy Butler of this era. I’d say Jimmy Butler is the Paul Pierce of his era, right? Because Paul Pierce came first and I think Paul Pierce is the better player but he’s another one of those guys who’s kind of a super weird archetype and was never truly considered to be on the same level as the guys at the very top of the league. But, in any one game setting against those guys, he was capable of outplaying them.”
Though the comparison is fair, Pierce was more of a scorer. For his career, he averaged 19 points and was a decent 3-point shooter. Butler can still rack up points but continues to struggle with his 3-point shot. He also shows more interest in making plays for his teammates as opposed to scoring.
The main trait they both share is the ability to take over games, particularly in the postseason. During the 2023 playoffs, Butler averaged 26 points including a 56-point performance in Game 4 of the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Some might think it’s a stretch to compare the two but they aren’t far off.
MORE HEAT-RELATED STORIES
Paul Pierce said he made LeBron James join the Heat. CLICK HERE
Where was LeBron James' during Dwyane Wade's induction? CLICK HERE
Rapper Trick Daddy said Heat never had Big Three. CLICK HERE
For a look at some of the latest Heat apparel. CLICK HERE
If you wanna bet on any games at @PrizePicks or PrizePicks.com, use our link and code. They will match your first bet for up to $100. Here's the code: PR-R1YOFY6
Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.
