For years and years, LeBron has held the title of being the closest player to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. But maybe this year things are changing. The latest fan reactions hail Jimmy Butler to be the next one in legacy.
Miami Heat has risen as a strong contender for the championship in the past few years, and Jimmy Butler clearly has a strong role to play. With the recent success of Miami?s star, fans have started hailing him as the next one in the legacy of MJ and Kobe.?
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Why has Jimmy Butler been put on a pedestal?
Jimmy has averaged 21.4 Pts with 5.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists this season. Butler’s post-game season record has improved significantly with him averaging 28.3 Pts, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in nine games. He also became the second player after Michael Jordan to have 40+ pts, 3+ steals, and 3+ blocks in a conference finals game.
What do the fans say?
After the majestic performance in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, multiple fans had a similar opinion as Jay Williams. They tweeted out how the finals Jimmy reminds them of Michael Jordan.
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While there is still a large section that backs LeBron James and considers jimmy to be nowhere near, the way things are going and if the Heat lifts the title, there would be many who might jump the boat.
Jimmy butler is the closest thing to Kobe and Jordan
— RUI FANATIC (@therealselena23) May 20, 2022
https://twitter.com/CarterAntFan/status/1527448840814616601?s=20&t=WVgshUSaGj40DTOkKWwh6w
More unstoppable: @kobebryant or MJ?@JimmyButler breaks down the best of the NBA.
Presented by @jackryanamazon. pic.twitter.com/ZBmymUIiGi
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) November 26, 2019
Players averaging 28 PPG, 5 APG, 2 SPG, and 50 FG% in a single postseason:
Michael Jordan
Jimmy ButlerThat's it, that's the list. pic.twitter.com/1xupOym4XY
— 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘃𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 (@HVTWpodcast) May 11, 2022
Only players with 40+ points 3+ steals and 3+ blocks in a conference finals game?
Jimmy Butler and Michael Jordan
Butler had
41 points
9 rebounds
5 assists
4 steals
3 blocks pic.twitter.com/J3cFkZC48e— Fastbreak Breakfast (@fastbreakbreak) May 18, 2022
This year?s NBA Championship title is reaching its final stage and things are getting more exciting. It would be really fun to watch if Heat would be able to defeat Celtics and move to the next stage, or would all this hype be for nothing.
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What do the experts say?
Many have ridden Jimmy?s Bandwagon of success and have started comparing him to the next one in the legacy of beasts such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Even a few acclaimed experts are drawing similar comparisons.
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Recently ESPN?s Jay Williams?quoted, ?It?s wild that I?m doing this, but I?m gonna do it. So, Jimmy Butler?s name belongs in the same breath with Michael Jordan. Crazy, right? As the only players in a single postseason averaging 28 points per game, five assists, two steals on 50-plus percent shooting from the field.”
What are your thoughts on the comparison? Let us know in the comments!