“Stop Disrespecting Jimmy Butler”: ex-NBA Champ Kendrick Perkins’ Strong Message to His Employers on Heat Star’s Top-10 Snub

It’s good to know that not everyone on the ESPN table of analysts agrees with the latest player rankings. Kendrick Perkins, former Celtics champion and current NBA analyst for ESPN, is not wholly in agreement with the list. Particularly, the rank of Heat’s star Jimmy Butler. Though Butler fared so much better than Kyrie Irving, Big Perk is not satisfied.

Playoffs Jimmy is one of the most underrated NBA players. Yes, fans and media alike love him during playoffs. But, during regular seasons, we don’t see Jimmy in the highlight. Not that it’s necessary. The postseason is more than enough to showcase what he is truly capable of. The 34-year-old seems to age like fine wine and not just in the looks.

Perkins has a thing or two to say about Jimmy Butler to his employers

NBA Today saw Kendrick Perkins utterly dissatisfied with ESPN for their top 100 players list. He didn’t keep his thoughts to himself when talking about Jimmy Butler‘s rank of 12. “We have to stop disrespecting Jimmy Butler.”

Interestingly, Butler ranked 17th last year. So, for ESPN to rank him in the 12th is a win in their books. Unfortunately, that book is not widely in circulation.

“He should be in the Top 10 conversation”: Big Perk’s faith in Butler is heartening

Kendrick’s claims are not invalid. His nickname, “Playoffs Jimmy” itself, is a tribute to Butler’s mad skills during the playoffs. But that’s not all. Everybody who knows Jimmy’s backstory will understand or at least get an idea of what makes Jimmy Butler so great.

Read More: “We Didn’t Have Cable”: Now Worth $80,000,000, Jimmy Butler Gives a Sneak Peak Into Poverty-Stricken History Amid Impending NBA Finals 2023

Butler has cemented his reputation as one of the league’s best two-way players, a six-time All-Star with an eight-figure salary. If someone told Jimmy 20 or so years ago that he would be an NBA player, he wouldn’t give it another thought. But when Buzz Williams scouted him to Marquette, all Jimmy thought was his greatest dream had come true – a college degree. Talking about his practice days with Williams, Jimmy goes back in time. “I will love him to death for the rest of my life because he knew the buttons to press … I had to find a way to eventually work my way into Buzz not being able to take me off the floor … It was never because I was the best player.” Clearly, Butler holds Williams in high regard.

Watch This Story: Months After Fans Doubted Jimmy Butler for Michael Jordan’s Son, Dwyane Wade Reveals a Common Trait Between the Ex-Bulls Stars

Today, Butler is one of the most sought-after players. Though his position is forward, we have seen him play equally well in all positions. Even 3-point shooting, which isn’t his best attribute. There’s more to Butler than saucy responses and outrageous hairstyles.