Most of the time this column tries to speak to an audience both in and outside of South Florida, a reality consistent with how today’s information is consumed. Let’s face it – the days of the local newspaper being delivered to your front door are fast approaching dodo bird-status. Electronic news has changed the game forever. However with apologies to our nonlocal friends, this column will focus on the plight of a local star from a local team, and specifically what happens when that star’s time with his team approaches the finish line. In a way, it’s sad, as you realize you’ll no longer enjoy the skills that made you a fan of that player – and that extends to all sports. But when economic reality collides with aging superstars, the result is never pretty. We all have our heroes who lost the battle with Father Time. It’s reality – but a sad reality, nonetheless.
Which brings us to Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. As of this writing, he’s still on the team, but that could change by the time you read this note. The reasons why are not complicated: a 35-year-old small forward, injury-prone and with diminishing skills, wants to be paid commensurate with his history. The problem is the Heat, with a salary cap to honor, are not able to offer him an extension at his allowed maximum salary rate (estimated to be in the range of $113 million over two years). A few weeks ago, Bulter made his intentions – and unhappiness – clear when he voiced a desire to be traded; the Heat responded with a seven-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team,” so it doesn’t look like these two are going to kiss and make up. Which is sad, given the success Miami’s enjoyed with “Jimmy Buckets” in the lineup. Three Eastern Conference finals, two NBA Finals appearances, not to mention the numerous clutch plays and memorable efforts – sometimes on display in a losing effort. But Butler’s game – a mix of physical toughness and endurance – takes a toll on even the best of players, and Butler missed 22 games last year. Teams can’t win if their best player is not on the floor. So with his contract ending, the team decided it could not, would not, offer Jimmy what he wanted, which was a contract extension. Butler responded as any star would – hurt, resentful and angry – but Miami will not relent, and by Miami, we mean team president Pat Riley.
It’s not the first time Riley and the Heat have parted with beloved players: Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, and even Dwyane Wade left the 305 for the same reasons, as declining skills and increasing salary obligations simply don’t mix; so a business decision is made, and it’s probably the correct one. But that doesn’t mean we have to like it, right?
So enjoy Jimmy Buckets while you can, and when he leaves, thank him for his time – but understand it was inevitable; like the old saying goes, don’t cry because it’s over, but smile because it happened.
Good luck, 22.
