A disturbing new report from an NBA source indicates that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler lost more than 5 pounds in just one week.
Ethan J. Skolnick from Five Reasons Sports appeared on the “Five on the Floor” podcast and indicated (at the 16:20 mark) that Butler experienced a dramatic weight loss after being out of the last nine games due to the health of COVID-19 from NBA and security protocols.
“He (Butler) lost more than five pounds in about a week,” said Skolnick. “Again, everyone can read as they please.”
Visual evidence of Butler’s slimmer body can be seen on Wednesday night, when Butler was on the bench with his Heat teammates.
It’s nice to see Jimmy Butler at least back with his Heat teammates on the bench. pic.twitter.com/9AJLeJTexg
– Will Manso (@WillManso) January 28, 2021
Butler, 31, last entered the court on January 9 and missed the last nine Heat games, with weight loss no doubt fueling speculation that the veteran actually contracted the highly contagious virus.
There is no exact indication of when Butler will be able to return to the team, but his presence would be a welcome sight for the besieged Heat.
The aforementioned safety protocols had a severe impact on the Heat, with Wednesday night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets marking their fourth consecutive loss and seventh defeat in the last nine matches for the team.
Butler’s fiery passion undoubtedly makes him eager to return to the court, but Heat wants to make sure he is completely healthy before he returns. In addition, he would have to clear the protocols that kept him out of court.
The 6-11 Heat will have a difficult challenge trying to end its current losing streak with a road fight on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.