Jimmy Butler Shares Demaryius Thomas Tribute Ahead of NBA Finals
The premature death of Denver Broncos legend Demaryius Thomas remains deeply felt, so much so that the upcoming NBA Finals are resonating with the loss.
Thomas tragically passed away back in 2021 at 33 years old after reportedly suffering complications arising from a seizure disorder. The late Thomas shared a deep friendship with Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, who is often pictured wearing Thomas' famous #88, and will face the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals.
On Wednesday, Butler was asked about the bittersweet nature of chasing his piece of NBA history in the city in which he enjoyed so many good times with his close friend, Thomas. Butler's response was understandably heartfelt, but when he touched on how inspirational Thomas was to him personally, the sadness of how prematurely he departed this world came flooding back.
“That’s my guy—my brother forever,” Butler told Brandon Krisztal of KOARadio. “I miss him so much. I used to spend so much time here with him—watching him be great. He motivated me because his story is really, really incredible through everything that he’s been through. To make it, and do what he did for the Broncos—I actually have a lot of love for this city, and like I said—I miss that guy. I wish he was here to sit courtside and watch me do my thing because we talked about this all the time. Maybe not Denver versus my team, but just being able to watch me win a championship like he did.”
Thomas was an inspiration to Butler to work through his own trials and tribulations through the years, which only stands as a testament to the outstanding life achievements of the iconic receiver. Thomas and Bulter shared a common upbringing, a fractured and troubled childhood, which helped the pair develop deep bonds of friendship that helped guide them through their professional and private lives.
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The achievement of both men realizing their dreams by reaching the very top of their respective professions is remarkable enough, but the bonds of friendship Butler enjoyed with Thomas might be as valuable as any championship the Heat’s go-to man might win.
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