Netflix just put out a new show called “Starting 5,” which is about the ups and downs of NBA winners. This series unveils a mystery about Heat star Jimmy Butler. The ten-part series delves deeply into Butler’s emotional battles after his father’s death in February.
The series shows that Butler’s dad got very sick during the Heat’s 2023 playoff games. Although Butler tried to focus on basketball, the weight of his father’s condition was hard to bear. His dad died on February 8, 2024, just one day after Butler played a great game against the San Antonio Spurs.
In episodes five and six, Butler talks about how his dad’s death really changed his life and career. He said, “When you lose somebody who’s that dear to you and that’s taught you so much, that has seen you grow from a kid to a young adult to a star to the man that I am today as a father and then all of a sudden he’s not there anymore, I didn’t know what to do.”
The 35-year-old added, “No amount of money in the world could bring him back. Basketball, no matter how much I played it, it couldn’t fix that.” After his father died, Butler took a short break from work and missed the Heat’s last three games before the All-Star break.
Upon his return, he struggled to find the motivation to perform at his best, admitting that basketball felt insignificant compared to his grief.
NBA reacts to heartbreaking Jimmy Butler news
The NBA community has shown an outpouring of support for Jimmy Butler following the heartbreaking news about his father’s passing. Many viewers responded to the tragic discovery that had been kept secret until the series premiered.
@GGUQuando pointed out, “A lot of y’all niggas was talkin’ crazy about Jimmy too whole time he lost his pops.”
@Demar305 dismissed the Jimmy Butler critics, saying, “This is why people INCLUDING heat fans should not get pissed when someone is out with personal reasons everyone it’s bigger than basketball”
@BronMuse encouraged him with, “You’re so strong, Jimmy. 🙏🙏”
@MafiaMorant shared, “That’s a very tough moment to lose someone you love dearly”
