The Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is on a phenomenal run this season. The 33-year-old played a crucial role in eliminating the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks from the first round of the playoffs. Butler, who is on a record-breaking stint this postseason, also has an exceptional origin story to tell. The teenager, who was once thrown out of his home, is now one of the biggest names in the league.
In the second round of the playoffs, Butler is again spearheading his team. The Heat currently leads the Conference semifinals 2-1 against the New York Knicks. Even with consistent and record-breaking performances, Butler has a different view on his career. In a recent interaction, the 6x NBA All-Star made a major claim about his high school days.
Jimmy Butler doesn’t consider this the peak of his career
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The Heat star might be winning the hearts of the fans with his performances, but he doesn’t think that he is at his peak. The peak of any athlete is the highlight of their career. As they continue to conquer everything in their path, they start appearing invincible to everyone. Butler dropped 56 points in game 4 against the Bucks in the playoffs. In two games, he scored 98 points and helped cause one of the biggest upsets of the season. Although a case can be made for Butler’s current run as his peak, the 33-year-old has a slightly different opinion.
Butler was recently asked if he believes he is in his prime, considering the exceptional run he is having. The star player disagreed and talked about himself during his high school days. Butler said, “I don?t know. I think if you would?ve watched me at Tomball High School, you would say I was better then than I am now.” The Heat small forward further added his reasoning behind having such a belief. He said, “Cause I was dominant[during high school days].” It’s interesting to think that in Butler’s perspective, he was more dominant in high school than he is now.
Jimmy Butler, after being asked if he is in the peak of his career:
“I don’t know. I think if you would’ve watched me at Tomball High School, you would say I was better then than I am now cause I was dominant.” @5OTF_ @5ReasonsSports
— alex toledo (@tropicalblanket) May 6, 2023
Whatever he might think his peak is, Butler’s story and come up is undeniably influential.
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Butler was kicked out of the house by his own mother
At the young age of 13, the Heat star was kicked out of the house by his own mother. Butler was already growing up without a father and when his mother took his shelter away, he found it difficult to cope with. After months of struggle, Butler found shelter at his friend Jordan Leslie’s house as her mother Michelle Lambert agreed to let him stay for a longer period. With their support and his dedication, Butler slowly progressed to become a league prospect.
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The Heat veteran was then picked by the Chicago Bulls in 2011 as the first round’s last pick. And the rest, as they say, is history.
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