“You Never Know What to Expect”: Mystery Looms Over Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler Ahead of Match Against Toronto Raptors

Jimmy Butler has revitalized the Miami Heat. The franchise has been struggling to establish themselves in the Eastern Conference since LeBron James left. They had a few playoff runs end early and were stuck in the middle of the pack. Pat Riley got Jimmy Butler to join the franchise and he added fuel to their rebuild. They are now a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.

Along with Butler, the team drafted Tyler Herro and signed undrafted rookie Kendrick Nunn. Both players have had great seasons and integrated themselves with the Heat’s core. Bam Adebayo has had a breakout season, becoming an all-star due to his success at the Heat. But most of the credit goes to Jimmy Butler. Butler made the team mesh together on the court and truly lead them to this success.

However, the Heat’s plans may be in danger. According to teammate Jae Crowder, Jimmy Butler is in quarantine. Butler missed the team’s practice ahead of their second game in the bubble against the Toronto Raptors. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told the media he won’t be answering any questions about the Butler situation.

The speculation is that Butler has tested positive, despite the continuous checks. The NBA recorded 0 positive cases for the second time last week. However, there have also been instances of false positives, so this is just a precautionary measure until they confirm Butler’s situation.

Jimmy Butler returning soon?

The Miami Heat will want Butler to be available as soon as possible. The team is very deep, but needs someone to dictate the pace of the game. No other player on the team can control a game like Butler can. His two-way skills make him very useful in late-game situations. He controls the team’s shape and without him, they will have to find an identity.

The Heat has a strong young core but that is along with veterans like Jae Crowder and former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala. They even have shooters like Duncan Robinson and versatile big men like Kelly Olynyk all as a part of their depth. At the end of the day, they have the off-court presence of Udonis Haslem.

The Heat are looked at as dark-horses against teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. They need a healthy Butler to help them be that threat.

Source: Ira Winderman Twitter, TSN