The Celtics outscored Miami by an average of 15.6 points per game in their 4-1 series victory, comprehensively dominating their first-round meeting against the Heat this year. For those games, a depleted Heat team was missing several important players, including star wing Jimmy Butler, who was out with an MCL sprain. Butler made a daring assertion about what his effect would have been in 2024 if he had suited up, and he assisted in upsetting the Celtics last year as the No. 8 seed in the East.
In a Saturday online chat with Rock The Bells, Butler asserted, “If I was playing, Boston would be at home.”
Butler had already expressed opinions regarding the Celtics during this series. In response to a question concerning the possibility of a series victory following Miami’s surprising victory in Game 2, Butler lashed out at Boston during a Game 3 interview with Chris Haynes of TNT.
Butler said, “I think we believe,” to Haynes. Everyone else is the one who doesn’t. I’m sick of hearing that guy whenever we win a game on national television if I have to hear one more compliment about Boston. The score is 1-1. We are going to win 2-1. Peace and see you later!”
After defeating the Heat in three consecutive games by a combined score of 20 points, the Celtics completed their series in five games.
In the same interview, Butler also trash-talked the Knicks, saying he would have upset the top-seeded Celtics.
The remarks are made against the backdrop of what could be an exciting offseason for Butler in Miami. The Miami Herald reports that the veteran forward, who has one year left on his deal with a player option, is reportedly seeking a $113 million contract extension. After his poor season marred by injuries, Butler from Miami is unlikely to accept another max deal, according to a number of NBA experts, including David Aldridge.
It’s unclear if, in the event that he is unable to secure a new deal, he will stay in Miami or seek a move. His audacious assertion, however, seems absurd when compared to the NBA’s greatest squad throughout the regular season. Last year, as a No. 8 seed, Butler and the Heat made an incredible run to the NBA Finals. After a year, the Heat had lost a number of important players, while the Celtics had significantly improved, winning one of their greatest regular seasons ever. Butler would have contributed, but given that Miami had lost both of its regular-season games versus Boston and that Butler had averaged 15.5 points per game in those games, it doesn’t seem plausible that he would have turned the tide.
Butler and the Heat will watch from home as the Celtics begin their second-round series against the Cavs or Magic on Tuesday night.