The past is something that Jimmy Butler hates to revisit. Despite what was a troublesome childhood with his parents, “I don’t hold grudges,” Butler proclaimed. He found a way to rekindle his bond with his birth parents. With his father, Jimmy Butler Jr., he grew especially close. They would compete and learn from each other every day, playing dominos was among their home routines. They had fostered a close bond, and Butler saw a purpose to make his father proud, who celebrated his son emphatically.

Sadly, during the season, the senior Butler wasn’t in his greatest health. Butler gifted him game shoes in the hospital after securing a triple-double in a win against the Spurs. With him in critical condition, the Heat star was hoping for the best as he flew for his brother’s wedding. But then a message from his agent gave him the heartbreaking news.

Hearing about his dad’s passing significantly “hurt” the 35-year-old. As formidable as he was on the court, beneath his thick skin, Jimmy Butler remains human. Basketball didn’t impart the same joy with his father not around. Butler would remember him wearing his jersey regularly, something that irked him at times. The array of emotions was difficult to process, which led to some on-court scuffles.

In such cases, fans and media can be cruel. With Jimmy Butler being as private as he is, the former Bulls forward urged them to open their eyes to the things that aren’t visible.

“I don’t think you really understand until you understand that athletes are human, too. That we hurt and we cry and we grieve and we’re angry. Something is going on in our life and you can’t see it just like we don’t understand what’s going on in your life either. But that doesn’t make us a bad person for being human.” Jimmy Butler said on Netflix’s ‘Starting 5’.

As the sorrow took its toll, Butler even took a leave of absence to cope with the loss of his father. The pain still has a place in his heart. But for him basketball and competing with his teammates is therapeutic. On returning, he helped the ailing Heat to make a postseason push, sadly ending in an injury during the Play-In tournament.

Now, with an integral season in front of him, Jimmy Butler seems more devoted than ever.

Jimmy Butler wants to win for his father

Aside from the loss of his father, there was another source of turmoil for Butler. It came from within the Heat organization. Playing in his contract year, several reports claim ‘Jimmy Buckets’ could be in the last season of his prolific stint with the Miami Heat. This comes after President Pat Riley publicly criticized the six-time All-Star for his lack of participation in the regular season.

Generally, Butler retaliates in such circumstances or he remains immune. During the past media days, he has come up with different get-ups that have become popular. But this year, there were “no shenanigans.” The Heat star came up with a proper braided hairstyle and took Riley’s comments as constructive criticism.

In hindsight, the Heat, even after taking the franchise to two NBA Finals didn’t offer him an extension, Jimmy Butler has no obligation to repair the mistakes highlighted. Yet, his hunt for a title seems to be more invigorating than ever. I always want to compete with my guys. “I hear him and I’m going to go out there and play as many games as I can,” he promised during media day.

Within the Heat organization, there is no tension with Butler. In fact, revered coach Erik Spoelstra feels Butler has never been more importing than he is this season. “He’s at a point now where he needs me to really coach this team at a high level. He needs me to coach him at a high level and push him to higher levels. And I need him to be at his highest level as a player and a leader,” he tells ESPN.

With no resentment in his heart, Butler has previously professed his love for being in Miami. Now, having tasted the Finals, the motivation of his father is pushing him to be a winner. “I want my dad to be able to say I was a champion. That I was the best,” he revealed. With that, no measures seem out of the picture for the electrifying performer.