What a heartbreak! After months, days, and hours of waiting for the 2024 Miami Heat Media Day, the moment finally arrived, but Jimmy Butler disappointed everyone, probably apart from Pat Riley! With a three-hour delay in arrival because of his recent France tour, the Heat ace arrived at the Kaseya Center, literally ‘not in style’ for the press conference.

There was a shock wave among the attendees when they saw Jimmy Butler with just his braided hair, similar to his look during the season. The ‘no-hairdo Butler’ trended on social media and fans were not hesitant to show their disappointment over the All-Star’s fashion choice. He was all but locked in for the new season and his unchanged appearance confirmed it. It was all fun and games with the ‘Emo Butler’ persona of last year, but this time, with his future in doubt, there was no room for shenanigans.

“I guess I gotta go and hoop. I’ve got to prove that I am a major part of winning, and rightfully so. I’ve done it before. This is no different. … That will take care of itself,” Jimmy Butler said with vigor. Definitely out there with a point to prove after recent public issues with his team’s very own President, the hooper clarified, “That extension is just a couple dollars. I’ve made enough.” But while a lot’s at stake for JB after the Heat’s playoff failures all these years, fans couldn’t get over his ‘looks’ on the day.

No ‘Emo’ Jimmy Butler disappoints fans with media day hairstyle, as they seem convinced about Pat Riley’s controversial method

Highlighting the small forward’s state of mind, a fan wrote, “Strictly business this year.” Pat Riley and Co. showed enough reluctance in the summer to table an extension for the hooper, helping conjure various trade rumors already. However, Shams Charania believes that JB intends to have a big season. If he doesn’t end up staying in Miami, he will at least attract a worthy suitor to entertain a high-paying deal. So it seemed evident that Butler is fully committed to his objectives in the upcoming season.

It was a “big disappointment” for the majority of the fans. Before the presser, NBA enthusiasts were expecting Jimmy Butler to appear in a peculiar avatar. Some even placed their bets on what hairstyle he might be donning on the special day. On Bovada’s website, there were +650 odds for the hooper to appear in a Mohawk while +850 odds were set on twisties with a low fade. Afro and dyed hair were +550 odds each! However, the 35-year-old turned up in his usual hairstyle, leaving the fans disappointed. There were major odds in favor of the Heat star turning up with a bald head, but Butler clarified, “Nope, not this time.”

“My day is ruined,” expressed another fan. Over the last two consecutive annual Media Days, Butler stunned the community with his distinctive hairstyles. In 2022, Jimmy chose to have his stylist create dreadlocks, while the straight hair partially covering an eye was the style he opted for in 2023. Mind you, the styles were specifically made for the special occasion and later changed heading into the season. So, the fans were hoping to see another dramatic look this year, but unfortunately, Jimmy had nothing in his bucket this time.

However, a fan predicted that it was the Heat‘s GM who had something to do with it. The comment stated, “Yep, Pat made his point.” A majority of fans in the comment section were of the same opinion that Jimmy Butler didn’t look happy. Could Riley’s public shots at the hooper be the reason behind his unhappiness? Butler missed the 2024 playoffs because of his MCL sprain and Miami could not go past the Celtics to qualify for the 2nd round. But that didn’t stop the ever-vocal JB from trash-talking their opponents.

Following their early exit, Jimmy Butler boldly said, “If I was playing, Boston would be at home, New York damn sure would be at home. Josh Hart? C’mon man.” That didn’t sit well with Riley, and he asked Jimmy to shut up in the season exit press conference.

On Media Day, the reporters revisited Pat Riley’s earlier remark to get a response from Jimmy Butler. “Not too many things bother me nowadays. I’m happy, I’m healthy, I’ve got a beautiful family,” he stated. With his future up in the air, rumors have already linked him to the Nets and even the Warriors! But that’s a conversation for a different day as JB looked laser-focused on the season ahead.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.