Jimmy learned a lot during his time in the Windy City.
It’s been quite the ride for Jimmy Butler. The last pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, Butler has become one of the greatest underdog stories in the entire NBA. Now the undisputed heart and soul of the Miami Heat, Butler stands a win away from making his second NBA Finals appearance after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Orlando bubble in 2020.
Six years have passed since Butler last wore the red and white Bulls jersey, but the lessons he learned while representing the Windy City still live on in his game.
Good things happen to those who work
Being the 30th pick in 2011 didn’t do Butler any favors, especially on a Bulls squad that already had the backcourt of Derrick Rose and Rip Hamilton. In fact, Butler played just 8.5 minutes per game in the 42 games that he suited up for the Bulls during his rookie year. Rather than sulk and pine for minutes, Butler went to work and earned his keep during his sophomore year.
“I never was supposed to be starting in the NBA,” Butler said. “I wasn’t supposed to be helping an NBA team win games, get a contract like that, become an All-Star. But I did. Everybody has their own story. Mine is different. But I don’t think mine is any more important than anybody else’s. I work. When you work, good things happen.”
Overcome the odds
Ranged against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, pundits didn’t give Butler and the Heat much chance. But through sheer willpower, Butler led the Heat to a 4-1 series victory in what was one of the greatest upsets in league history. After getting past New York in the second round, the same song was heard for their Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Boston Celtics, as ESPN gave them just a 3% chance of winning.
“It taught me that anything is possible,” Butler said. “My whole life, people doubted me. People told me in high school I was too short and not fast enough. They didn’t know my story. Because if they did, they’d know that anything is possible. Who would’ve thought that a small-town kid could become a halfway decent player in college and then the NBA? And even an All-Star. I know I can overcome anything.”
