The Miami Heat star is gradually writing new pages of history with the team. But put aside the future and look at the past of this player to better understand what has made Jimmy Butler what he is today.
Considered a star in the NBA, currently the mainstay of the Miami Heat team as well as facing the opportunity to write his name in the history of the tournament, but few people know that, to get here, Jimmy Butler had to go through many difficulties and struggles. The following facts about “Jimmy Buckets” will surprise you.
1. Abandoned by his biological father when he was an infant, his biological mother kicked him out at the age of 13
Jimmy Butler’s past carries a dark color, in stark contrast to the brilliant career he is having in the NBA. Since he was a newborn, Jimmy has been abandoned by his biological father. At the age of 13, just because of “having too bad a look”, Jimmy Butler was kicked out of the house by his own mother.
2. Start your sport with rugby
Jimmy didn’t play basketball in the first place, rugby was his choice then. As a young boy, Jimmy used to practice with his teammates under the hot summer sun. However, later, he himself admitted that he did not belong to rugby: “I am just a 5’3 (160cm) tall kid. I hate practicing outdoors, under the hot summer sun. And also being ‘crushed’ by seniors much taller than me.”
3. Being cared for unconditionally by a family with up to 7 children
After becoming homeless, Jimmy had no choice but to beg and stay at friends’ houses, but things were never stable. When he was 18 years old, when he enrolled at Tomball School, Jimmy was introduced to Jordan Leslie, then a player for the Denver Broncos football team, with a 3-point shooting challenge.
The two have been close ever since, and Jordan Leslie did not hesitate to bring Jimmy home to give Jimmy a real home. At first, Jordan Leslie’s mother was reluctant to let Jimmy stay. However, time has made Jimmy and Leslie’s family closer. Michelle Lambert became Jimmy’s second mother.
4. Almost dropped out of college because of homesickness
After high school years at Tomball, Jimmy established himself and became the best player here. He quickly received a scholarship from Marquette School, located in the state of Wisconsin. Enrollment here forced him to leave his hometown of Texas and his family.
Although he performed well in college tournaments, there was a time when Jimmy wanted to “give up” all because he missed his family so much. Michelle Lambert now has kind words of encouragement, helping Jimmy get through these difficult days and focus on basketball.
5. Chosen on 30th turn, became All-Star 4 years later
Jimmy Butler was not selected in the early stages as Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, Enes Kanter or Tristan Thompson in the 2011 NBA Draft. But it only took 4 for him to become an All-Star in the NBA.
Despite being exchanged to two later teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers, Jimmy Butler’s performance during this time was still at a high level.
6. He doesn’t hold grudges against his biological parents for abandoning his
Jimmy Butler not only has no grudge against his biological parents, but he even often communicates and talks with them.
“I don’t hold grudges. I still talk to my parents. We still love each other,” Jimmy said in an interview.
7. Jimmy Butler is a fan of country music, idol Taylor Swift, likes to eat dessert at the beginning of the meal
Jimmy also once admitted, he is very fond of country music. He often listens to music by Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks or Brad Paisley. In addition, in meals, he chooses to “eat” the desserts first. This player’s favorite dessert is apple pie.
8. Tried to play with the guitar, but gave up because of fear…
As mentioned above, Jimmy loves country music. He also tried to play the typical instrument of this genre, the guitar. However, after seeing the calluses of Garth Brooks, the famous country music singer and songwriter, he gave up.