NBA Analyst Tim Legler Says Miami Heat Also Need "Regular Season Jimmy" Butler
"Playoff Jimmy" has become a phenomenon the past few years.
After watching Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler's performance Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets, ESPN analyst Tim Legler had just one question: What about Regular Season Jimmy?
During an appearance on the AllCity All NBA podcast, Legler was critical of Butler's performance in the Heat's fourth straight loss.
"It's one of the reasons I have a hard time, I think, just giving Jimmy Butler maybe even the credit he probably deserves," Legler said. "I just struggle with the whole "Playoff Jimmy." What about "Regular Season Jimmy" when they need you like [Wednesday] night?"
Butler had just 15 points against the Nuggets. Legler pointed out he only went to the foul line twice, which is supposedly one of the most important parts of his game. Legler later said he thinks it's too early to write off the Heat but they need more from Butler in the regular season.
"I get it but come on," Legler said. "He was a no-factor in the game offensively completely. But he's like this star player that we talk about and he's had these huge playoff moments and there's no denying that. He has had those moments. I get it but at the same time, like a game like last night, at no point did he try to put his foot on the gas."
Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat, a Fan Nation channel for Sports Illustrated. He has covered the NBA since 2010.
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