Hoops Habit
Fansided

Miami Heat: 5 predictions for 2019-20 NBA season

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of the preseason game at American Airlines Arena on October 08, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of the preseason game at American Airlines Arena on October 08, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

2. Jimmy Butler earns All-NBA honors

Having been somewhat underutilized during his pit stop with the Philadelphia 76ers, don’t expect the same to continue this year for Jimmy Butler.

After being selected as an All-Star for four straight seasons, Butler suddenly found himself in the unfamiliar role of being a sidekick to the likes of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. While he still posted decent numbers, his impact was not felt, and not needed, like years past.

One basic example is how often Butler touched the ball with the Sixers, as opposed to his previous stops.

Jimmy Butler touches per game:

  • 2016-17: 70.3 per game
  • 2017-18: 63.1 per game
  • 2018-19: 63.9 per game (Minnesota Timberwolves); 51.6 per game (76ers)

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1181902128090091520?s=20

Now in a situation in which he’s craved to be a part of, and a franchise that was desperately in need of a genuine star, Butler’s true impact on the team, and the league as a whole, can be properly felt. Only two seasons ago, when traded to the T-Wolves, did Butler find himself in a similar situation. When he arrived in Minnesota, the team was coming off a dispiriting 31-win season.

Fast forward 12 months and the Timberwolves had won 47 games and earned their first playoff appearance in 14 years. Given the talent on the roster, and the difference he can make on the court, look for Butler to not only regain his status as an All-Star but also jump back into the elite as an All-NBA selection.

Home/Miami Heat