Jimmy Butler’s expectations haven’t altered despite the Miami Heat’s string of ailments and what seems like a different starting lineup practically every night.
When asked where he thought this squad stood after 20 games, Butler made some pointed remarks:
We are standing in a very lousy place, just where we don’t want to be. Just mediocre—not great, not terrible,” Butler remarked.
You mention our offense, which has been passable. You mention our defense, which hasn’t been that good.
The Heat have started the season mediocrely and inconsistently. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Butler will never justify an injury with an explanation.
That doesn’t alter the fact that the Heat have struggled with a significant number of injuries through 20 games. Due to a back ailment, Haywood Highsmith had to leave the Indiana Pacers game Friday night after just two minutes.
Bam Adebayo will not travel with the team and was previously ruled out of Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Raptors. Tyler Herro’s ankle injury should allow him to return soon, but there are still obstacles to overcome.
Butler finished Saturday night’s game against the Pacers with 33 points, five rebounds, and five assists. After the game, he and head coach Erik Spoelstra were clearly frustrated.
It was “one of our worst ball-containing games of the season,” according to Spoelstra
