Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Heat failed Jimmy Butler, who just needed a 'Batman'

By Sai Mohan | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 8:52 AM ET

Jimmy Butler put the Miami Heat on his back, both literally and figuratively, through his six years with the franchise.

In 64 playoff games with the Heat, Butler averaged 38.5 minutes and attempted 17.6 shots per game, the latter marking 5.0 more shots than he averages in his career in the regular season.

Butler didn't shrink from carrying the extra workload, guiding the Heat to two NBA Finals in four years. However, it's becoming increasingly clear that he would have benefited from being a co-star on the Heat rather than the No. 1 scoring option.

During Tuesday's play-in win over the Grizzlies, Butler didn't have to go into "do-it-all" mode associated with "Playoff Jimmy" — he had Stephen Curry to count upon. The duo combined for 75 points, but Curry made the most crucial baskets, including 15 points in the fourth quarter.

After the game, Butler explained why he felt very little pressure as he had the perfect "Batman" to rely upon, a luxury he wasn't afforded in any of his previous stops, specifically Miami.

Jimmy Butler: “I think any team has a chance with me on it. But I know every team has a chance with Steph on it. I get to play Robin. That’s my Batman.” pic.twitter.com/Zm1hwV35uN
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 16, 2025

"That's a Batman if I've ever seen a Batman. Always coming to save the day" @ALaForce with Jimmy Butler who had high praise for Steph after another clutch performance pic.twitter.com/RxvzGq70lj
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 16, 2025

Butler's game has always been more suited to being the No. 2 option. Not a prolific scorer by any means, he's at his best when contributing as a playmaker, defender and secondary offensive weapon.

One wonders if the Heat failed Butler by not landing him a "Batman" during his stint. They reportedly tried to land Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant but didn't show urgency in upgrading the roster around Butler. In 2022, they had the golden opportunity to land Durant from the Nets, but weren't "aggressive" in their pursuit, leading to the Suns nabbing the 15-time All-Star via trade.

Shortly after Butler landed in the Bay Area, a report suggested he was unhappy with the Heat front office for not landing him a co-star during his six-year stint. Perhaps he was justified in feeling that way.

The more postseason Butler and Curry enjoy together, the more inept the Heat will continue to look.

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

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