Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler… Elite Playmaker & How That Looks Going Forth

While Butler isn’t the shiftiest ball-handler, nor will he baffle you with fancy crossover moves, there wasn’t a need for him to have those characteristics of other great perimeter threats. Per-100 Possessions, Butler had a higher Assist-To-Turnover Ratio than most of the NBA’s elite point guards guards last season —  which included Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, DeAaron Fox, and Jrue Holiday.

Butler relies on deception and a textbook approach to direct traffic, as most of his assists, often, transpire from within the short-elbow range. As he’s a significant finisher at the hoop, he can ideally shoot the turnaround jumper or simply, turn the corner and drive towards the rim.

Altogether, Butler has earned the respect of commanding double-teams in the mid-post area and as a penetrator of his level, he immediately uses his excellent vision to locate open teammates.

With Lowry serving as the Heat’s primary ball-handler, Butler’s consistent ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities will diminish. However, if you add consistent floor-spacers around him, he’s proven to be an elite passer at his position and with a low giveaway rate.

As Miami is still in need of a true secondary point guard option, Jimmy should continue running the offense whenever Lowry sits. That’s why the “consistent” is necessary when describing his diminishing responsibilities as a Heat playmaker.

After signing a three-year extension in August, Butler is set to make over $45 million a year starting in the 2023-24 season, will remain a franchise cornerstone in Miami, and all as he heads into his mid-thirties. His will to win and unselfish nature never age though.

That and making his teammates better only helps to keep Butler in that elite tier of NBA players. That’s what the Miami Heat will need to compete for the ultimate prize, NBA immortality and the title.