Jimmy Butler’s absence from the NBA All-Star roster was apparently not because he was knocked down.
Instead, Butler apparently chose not to go because he believes Miami Heat teammate Bam Adebayo should be selected.
Ethan J. Skolnick spoke to Greg Sylvander on the ‘Five on the Floor’ podcast that addresses a number of issues related to the Heat, and Skolnick explained why Butler’s name is missing in the All-Star picks.
‘For those who have been wondering why Jimmy was not mentioned in the All-Star team [Kevin] Durant went out and it was [Domantas] “Sabonis, I can tell you that the NBA wanted to name him (Butler) on the All-Star team,” said Skolnick.
After asking Sylvander to ask him the real reason, Skolnick indicated that the loyalty of the team was behind Butler’s decision.
“He would not go unless Bam went,” Skolnick said.
Butler has been selected for the All-Star Game on five previous occasions, while Adebayo made his first choice during his outburst campaign last year.
This season, Adebayo has played in 31 games and scored strong figures, with 19.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He also took a strong leadership role in his fourth season with the team.
Butler is in his second season with the Heat and has been largely seen as the team leader since his arrival.
He has only played in 21 games this year due to the health and safety protocols of COVID-19, but is averaging 20.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
A number of players have questioned league planning for the All-Star Game of the Year, and the league is still having trouble with the ongoing pandemic.
Butler’s issue of not playing this year’s game is, of course, more focused on supporting a teammate, a stance that is likely to strengthen the bond between the two Heat stars.