The Miami Heat have surpassed most expectations since Jimmy Butler arrived in South Florida.
He’s made it to the NBA Finals twice.
And while Butler obviously deserves plenty of credit for his great play and sound leadership, team legend Dwyane Wade doesn’t want anyone to forget that he was the one who paved the way and planted the seed for Butler to take his talents to South Beach.
In his recent appearance on The Dan LeBatard Show (via ClutchPoints), Wade looked back on his departure from the Heat to play for his hometown Chicago Bulls, where he gelled instantly with Butler.
“Everybody should be thankful for that because Jimmy Butler is in Miami.”
Dwyane Wade on leaving the Heat to team up with Jimmy Butler on the Bulls back in 2016 😂
(via @LeBatardShow)pic.twitter.com/usMF7wjX1p
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 8, 2023
Wade and Butler led the Bulls that season, and it’s already been reported that he started talking about Heat Culture, Pat Riley, Coach Erik Spoelstra, the city, and whatnot.
The craziest part about it is that Butler actually grew up not liking the Heat, even once saying that he would never wear a Heat jersey.
Fast forward to free agency, and Butler never forgot about those conversations with Wade.
Butler doesn’t get the recognition he deserves for being one of the best two-way players in the league, not to mention the kind of leader whose teammates would run through a wall for.
So, if Butler and the Heat win another ring, perhaps the team should give Wade an honorary one.
NEXT:
Pat Riley Recalls Dwyane Wade And Heat Complex Relationship In 2016
