Steve Kerr’s Powerful Praise for Jimmy Butler Might Sting Heat Fans
After the Golden State Warriors’ Game 1 win over the Houston Rockets, head coach Steve Kerr shared some heartfelt words about Jimmy Butler—words that could be tough for Miami Heat fans to hear. During the post-game press conference, Kerr praised Butler, saying, “Jimmy is one of the best players in the league.” His statement not only highlights Butler’s impact since joining the Warriors but also serves as a subtle reminder of what the Heat lost.
Butler, who was traded from Miami to Golden State in February 2025 after expressing that he’d lost his passion for the game in South Beach, has quickly become a key figure in the Warriors’ playoff run. His Game 1 performance was vintage “Playoff Jimmy”: 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals—a statline that had Kerr raving.
The sight of Kerr speaking so highly of Butler, set against the playoff backdrop, only emphasizes the sting for Heat fans still reeling from his departure. Once the face of Miami’s postseason hopes, Butler’s intensity and leadership have now found a new home in the Bay Area. For Golden State, he’s been a game-changer. For Miami, he’s the one that got away.
Leave a Reply