Jimmy Butler has been one constant in the Miami Heat side since his switch to the Florida-based franchise in 2019. Fans and neutrals alike were expecting the usual flares from him in their recent game against the Celtics but were left disappointed.
Jimmy Butler did not play against the Celtics in the highly charged game between the two historical rivals. While the reason for his absence is not of one that involves bodily pain, it sure did take a toll on the heart and soul of the Heat’s heartbeat.
What is the reason behind Jimmy Butler missing Celtics game?
Two of the greatest rivals in the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics faced each other on February 11. Unfortunately, the Heat had to play without their star player Jimmy Butler who was absent due to the untimely loss of a family member.
The franchise released a statement via his agent, Bernie Lee, “Jimmy Butler has been granted a leave of absence as he deals with the death of a family member. Jimmy and his family ask for privacy at this point in time as they navigate this loss. Updates will be given when appropriate.”
Miami Heat release statement via Jimmy Butler’s agent:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2024
Jimmy Butler has been granted a leave of absence as he deals with the death of a family member. Jimmy and his family ask for privacy at this point in time as they navigate this loss. Updates will be given when appropriate.
The match had a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter where Jaylen Brown and Duncan Robinson got into a scuffle. The Butler-less Heat lost the game by 110-106 and are in the 8th position of the Eastern Conference table whereas their rivals stay at the top.
The last year’s ECF MVP has averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 4.6 assists in the 37 games he played so far this season. Neither his return date nor the details of the deceased family member has surfaced yet. Heat will face Milwaukee Bucks and the Sixers this before the attraction of the week, the NBA All-Star contest.
How is Jimmy Butler’s relationship with his parents?
While the flamboyant 34-year-old always livens up the mood of his surroundings, Butler has had his fair share of setbacks in life.
In an interview, Jimmy Butler disclosed some shocking and disheartening stories about his childhood. His father left him when he was an infant living with his mother in Houston, Texas.
The Heat forward revealed that at the age of 13, his mother threw him out, “She said I don’t like the look of you. You gotta go,” said Butler. Even after spending a part of his childhood from one friend’s place to another, the NBA star is on talking terms with his parents. He said, “I don’t hold grudges. I still talk to my family. My mom. My father. We love each other. That’s never going to change”.
From being a homeless teenage to a star player, he has seen it all. The father of 4-year-old Rylee, Jimmy has maintained an optimistic perspective throughout his career, and we hope he does the same to overcome his personal loss.
