[https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/05/jimmy-butlers-agent-responds-to-pat-rileys-comments.html](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/05/jimmy-butlers-agent-responds-to-pat-rileys-comments.html)
“Speaking to Winderman, Lee pointed out that Butler’s minutes per game average this season (34.0) was his highest since he joined the Heat and that he was one of just a dozen players aged 33 or older who played 2,000+ minutes in 2023/24.
While the star swingman was unable to play in the first round of the postseason vs. Boston due to an MCL sprain, he has logged nearly 2,500 playoff minutes (essentially a full season’s worth) since arriving in Miami. That workload should be factored into the availability discussion, Lee said, adding that he’d like “a little bit more clarity” on Riley’s comments.
*’The thought that Jimmy is picking and choosing when to play isn’t reality,”* Lee said. *“I enjoy watching him play as much, if not more, than anyone. So believe me, I want to see him play every night. But unfortunately he isn’t a robot and injuries and circumstances happen. Prior to the year, we had a meeting to discuss the changing* [*NBA rules*](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/03/hoops-rumors-glossary-65-game-rule.html) *and the need to reject load management, And we all understood the assignment. Jimmy’s 22 games missed were all for valid issues and concerns.’ “*
also if you were to look at MOST, if not all superstars before this year, they all played like 50 – 65 games per year. The only reason they played more this year is because of the new rule (want to qualify for end of season awards). Jimmy missed 22 games out of 82 (not half the season, as some of you like to say) mainly because of injuries and the death of a family member. And none of the other superstars who played more this season had anywhere close to the amount of games/minutes jimmy has played in the playoffs over the last five years (and theyre much younger than jimmy). When you factor all that its hard to think of a superstar who has put their body through more abuse for their team over the last five years than Jimmy has. Stop with the recency bias.
by Fluid-Purpose7958
7 Comments
Yeah people never consider playoff workload when they spout their nonsense about Jimmy. Just didn’t think it would come from Pat of all people. Can already see the narrative shifting and people are already starting to turn on Jimmy it seems.
You have people making shit up about how he routinely misses games for non-injury related reasons when he missed a game due to illness once and missed a handful because his dad literally died…
When Jimmy is talking about turning it on in April, maybe he should reflect on turning it on when the season starts instead of coasting till April.
The problem isn’t just Jimmy isn’t playing, it’s when he plays regular season games he visibly looks disengaged, this past season was more egregious than previous.
I stand with Pat calling him out. You want the bigger bucks, play harder.
either they pay Jimmy the max or he walks it’s that simple lol
The bigger issue is Pat calling out Jimmy when the 23 year old making 30mil has played less games than he has and is absolute 0 in everything we do.
Pat should be tried for war crimes for paying 70mil to Herro Rozier and Robinson and those guys can’t sniff the court at the same fucking time. 50% of our cap allocated to dead fucking weight who will not compete at the highest level in the sport
Tbh it’s more that he looked disengaged even when he played and we would play a slower tempo. His box score stats were basically normal but his advanced stats were down slightly
Pat is not a fucking reporter covering a team. He is involved in the DAILY operation of the franchise. He KNOWS there were injuries he could have returned sooner from. If he is available 5 more games this year we are a 3rd or 4th seed and can survive the 1st rd without him. Jimmy is under contract next year and can opt in the year after. Pat is not going to trade him but he doesn’t have to give him the bag at 37 becuse no one will. He praised him and challenged him at the same time and he’s earn the fucking right to do it.
I cut my left nut if Jimmy had brought Pat a ring in the bubble or last year I don’t think we hear a peep out of Pat. But that’s not the case unfortunately since Jimmy arrived in Miami Pat has attempted to build a winner around jimmy but with gleague, 2 way players and then there is Herro,Bam, and Robinson.
I’m starting to believe that some of the potential future or free agents are actually beginning to feel intimidated to play for the heat. From the top 2 the bottom of the organization the heat do not operate like any other franchise. Whether it be conditioning, expectations, culture fit, coaching, chemistry, free agency or draft the heat approach all of these things very different then other teams.
If you go back Andre Iguadala who was a finals mvp and won multiple rings with the warriors. Talked about his time in Miami and just how the mental pressure of playing “the heat way” would make players miss wide open shots.
I personally love the way we operate as a franchise and the fact that our GM didn’t get down on 2 knees and beg Lebron not to leave when all other GMs or owners would suck the chrome of a hitch for him.
Jimmy is a beast and the only reason the team has remained competitive but I’m also torn inside knowing he is only getting older and reached his ceiling light years ago. The league is only getting older. JJJ and Jovic are bright spots.
I don’t know if Pat will blow it up and rebuild moving Herro even though he still young. Bam is heat for life idc if we hold him hostage. Duncan thank you for services. I like scary Terry too bad Spo won’t unleash him like charlotte did.
This sub is heading towards a very interesting off season can’t wait to hear trade scenarios, free agent scenarios. Last summer dame talk took over this summer it would probably be who can we pair with jimmy in order to win a ring. Or what moves can we make to win Pat another ring.