Since Jimmy Bucket’s controversial presser, the NBA world can be divided into two groups. The one that supports the Miami Heat‘s decision to suspend Jimmy Butler and others standing against it. Interestingly, a majority of the hoops nation including a few NBA legends seem to be standing up for the veteran baller. However, at the same time, Kenny Smith, who decoded the star forward’s recent controversial decision, dropped crucial advice on Live TV and also called out the Heat President, Pat Riley, for the suspension.

It’s already an old tale. A few moons ago, Butler publicly said that he doesn’t find “joy” in playing basketball on the Florida side. Following that the team suspended him and also promised to act by his wish which was to trade him out. While the topic went all across the NBA world for debate, last night, it reached the Inside Guys. 

In the presence of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith criticized Jimmy Butler‘s one tiny mistake, saying, “I don’t think he should have said joy.” The 59-year-old instead felt that the star baller should’ve said, “Listen, I deserve a better contract. I’m going into my last year. I deserve that. If y’all can’t give me that y’all can move me.” Well, Butler did say that but in his own way.

Above all, Smith revealed why he felt the suspension was an unfair decision. The legend highlighted Jimmy Bucket‘s work ethic and mindset and said, “Just didn’t like the fact that Jimmy Butler was always been the guy who says, ‘If you don’t come to practice and play hard, I’m gonna call you out. If you don’t come to the games and play hard, I am gonna call you out. And now, when he is in this position, and then he is getting suspended because he feels like he doesn’t have the energy to play hard when that’s been his calling card.” These are indeed words of a concerned man.

Stephen A. Smith adds fuel to the Jimmy Butler drama

The veteran NBA analyst also sided with Jimmy Butler in this affair. Smith didn’t just stop at that but also had a lot to say about Pat Riley. Firstly, he made it clear why he had a lot to say. The 57-year-old analyst added that his relationship with Riley goes way back in time. In the words of Smith, “I’ve known him for years” and I also highlighted that the the Heat President had featured in his book ‘Straight Shooter’. 

A. Smith described Riley as a “stoic winning within rigid power broker” and most importantly he addressed how the 79-year-old likes to hold control over the team. Speaking of his decision to suspend Butler, he said, “He has a problem at times adjusting to the times and the different culture that has taking place and that’s what’s contributing to this too .” 

Moreover, Smith also brought an anecdote from LeBron James‘ stint with the Heat where he stated that the superstar moved out of the Florida franchise because he didn’t like to get controlled. Nevertheless, there isn’t proof for the claim and what do you think of Pat Riley’s decision? Let us know in the comments below.