The Miami Heat have lived and died on the back of their resident superstar across the last few seasons. Since his arrival in South Florida, Jimmy Butler has been nothing short of stellar for the Miami Heat and in all facets of the game.
Though every great one has minor snafus, such as the blowup on the sideline late last season involving Coach Erik Spoelstra and Udonis Haslem, he isn’t alone there. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James have both had noted things in their careers and specifically, in Miami.
But again, when it comes to Jimmy’s approach, workman’s mentality, leadership ability, and dedication, it shows up in all areas. From his excellent defense and work in the opposing passing lanes to his ability to do almost everything his team needs on the offensive side of the ball, he’s near the top.
That word “almost” is a very important one with Butler though, as the only real major hole in his game since coming to Miami has been his three-point prowess.
The Miami Heat have and will continue to go as Jimmy Butler goes. And if he can take and make this kind of shot more often, then they will go further.
Beginning to take and make more near the end of last season and throughout the playoffs, it proved to be effective for Butler when he went to it.
And just like Jimmy Butler would do, he’s honing back in on it going into this season it seems. Here is footage of some of his latest work.
Taking full advantage of more of a set shot from range as he went back to it last season, these range looks from Butler are coming off the dribble. After a series of moves to keep the defender off balanced, Butler is pulling up easily, naturally, and though a bit on the slower side—with enough lift on the release to be able to get it off after the nifty pitty-pats of the rock.
With his ability to get to the rim, the middle of the defense, and to the free throw line, being able to take and make this shot should make him nearly unguardable when he has it going. If he can be that, while also accounting for the spacing he can help provide along the perimeter and opening up the middle, the Miami Heat should be able to generate quite the offense.
And though losing P.J. Tucker hurts, if all of that can happen, then the sky is still the limit for this team. Well, and because you know that Pat Riley is always looking to pull a rabbit out of his hat in the talent acquisition department.