Jimmy Butler’s absence from the NBA All-Star squad apparently was not because he was snubbed.
Instead, Butler would have chosen not to go because he strongly believes that Miami Heat teammate Bam Adebayo should have been chosen.
Ethan J. Skolnick spoke to Greg Sylvander on the “Five on the Floor” podcast that addressed a number of issues related to the Heat, with Skolnick explaining why Butler’s name was missing from the All-Star teams.
“For those who were wondering why Jimmy wasn’t nominated for the All-Star team when [Kevin] Durant left and went [Domantas] Sabonis, I can say that the NBA wanted to name you (Butler) for the All-Star team, ”said Skolnick.
After urging Sylvander to ask the real reason, Skolnick indicated that the team’s loyalty was behind Butler’s decision.
“He wouldn’t, unless Bam was going,” said Skolnick.
Butler has been selected for the All-Star Game on five previous occasions, while Adebayo won his first selection last year during his escape campaign.
This season, Adebayo played 31 games and delivered strong numbers, averaging 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 seen as the team leader since his arrival.
He only played 21 games this year because of the health and safety protocols of COVID-19, but he has an average of 20.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
Several players questioned the league’s schedule for this year’s All-Star Game, with the league continuing to experience problems related to the ongoing pandemic.
Butler’s problem with not playing in this year’s competition is obviously more focused on supporting a teammate, a position that is likely to strengthen the bond between the two Heat stars.