Jimmy Butler and his China trip have been making waves out there and in here. Out there, in China, it’s obviously the good kind, but back home, it’s not that great.  His involvement in Yao Ming’s charity event, alongside James Harden, Paul George, and Kyle Kuzma has drawn attention. Many fans have used this opportunity to criticize Butler for the previous season’s performance.

Despite the backlash, the Miami Heat star appears mostly focused on his Hong Kong getaway. Promoting his coffee brand, Big Face, as well as his signature sneaker line with ‘Li Ning’ was also on his to-do list. But it wasn’t all work and no play for Jimmy. He took time off to enjoy the sights that Hong Kong had to offer, including enjoying a refreshing cup of coffee.

The 34-year-old also reportedly picked up some Chinese during his visit. Going up to an adorable coffee shop, Butler tried his best to read the menu. Needless to say, it ended in a round of laughs from his Chinese friends. Not wanting him to abuse the language further or perhaps worried he might say the wrong thing, they quickly stopped him and one of them read it out to him. Ensuring that he had everything right – pronunciation, tone, and the words, Butler then proceeded to give his order. Thankfully, he got it right.

But that wasn’t all. As the group was crossing a street, a few fans followed them, saying, “We need your ball.” “Give me the ball.” Taking it in stride, Butler responded, “Hey, great workout for y’all today,” as everyone laughed at his cheeky reply. “Good call, good call. Work hard baby,” he then added. Whatever the circumstances, the 6x All-Star’s casual way of handling things ensured that they will remember this day for years to come.

But what about his home fans?

“Get ready to learn Chinese buddy,” Fans rip Jimmy Butler for his participation in the charity basketball event

As mentioned above, it wasn’t just Butler in China for the ex-Houston Rockets legend Yao Ming’s charity basketball event. And when news about ‘Jimmy Buckets’ and the rest of the squad hit X, it was a torrent of backlash (hilarious and otherwise). Take this first one, for example. Using an Adam Silver meme, a streamer commented, “This joke was to[o] easy to make.” The joke in question? “Get ready to learn Chinese buddy.” 

The fan was referring to the possibility that Jimmy Butler and Co. might very well end up signing contracts in Chinese leagues in the foreseeable future. Thinking along the same line is this next user. “They’ll all be back for a season in a few years.”

And the next. “Teaming up in their new home.” Another fan seemed to have mastered the art of insulting in a way that sounds like the creator of the post is to blame for the person’s actions. “Why would u give me this picture like I won’t abuse it in 4 months time.”

And finally, this fan seems to have an eye for the future. “This will become an iconic meme.” If these comments are any indication, the 2024-25 season is shaping up to be very intriguing.

 Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.