Jimmy Butler made his first public comments as a Sixer today, speaking to reporters at a press conference introducing him to the media. Butler, who referred to himself as an “incredible” human being and teammate when asked about his past relationships with teammates, said he expects Philadelphia to be an ideal fit for him, as ESPN’s Ian Begley relays.
“When guys go out there and they know how to play basketball, which everybody on this roster does, it’s all going to fall into place,” Butler said. “I don’t think that anybody is going to step on anybody’s toes. I think everybody still has the same job to do and everybody’s expected to be the same player that they’ve always been.”
Butler added that he likes the idea of him, Ben Simmons, and Joel Embiid making up a “Big Three” for the Sixers, and also insisted he’s not focusing on maxing out his earnings by signing a five-year maximum salary contract at season’s end.
“I already got enough money to have me and my family for the rest of my life,” Butler said, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN (Twitter link). “It’s not about the money. I’ve got to be able to love where I’m at and have a great chance to win a championship.”
Here’s more on the Sixers:
- As Begley details, new Sixers GM Elton Brand said on Tuesday that he spoke to several of Butler’s former teammates and coaches and they all had nothing but praise for the 29-year-old, making the decision to pull the trigger on the trade an “easy” one. “We hope he sees a fit here. We hope that we see the fit there this season because we know what kind of talent he is,” Brand said. “He’s a superstar player so we’re definitely looking forward to having those (contract) discussions, but we can’t have those yet.”
- Asked about the newly-opened spot on the Sixers’ 15-man roster, Brand indicated that the team will take its time to “evaluate the landscape” rather than rushing to add a 15th man, tweets Derek Bodner of The Athletic. Bodner had previously suggested (via Twitter) that Philadelphia will likely simply focus on adding a shooter with that opening rather than specifically targeting a power forward.
- It remains to be seen how Markelle Fultz‘s role will be impacted by Butler’s arrival, but head coach Brett Brown remains committed to developing the former No. 1 overall pick, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “He’s got insulation around him, and he’s got a coach that believes in him, that will continue to play and develop him, and that’s that,” Brown said of Fultz.
- Speaking of Fultz, he and trainer Drew Hanlen are apparently no longer on speaking terms, tweets Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype. Fultz worked with Hanlen throughout the summer, but their relationship reportedly deteriorated within the last month. Liberty Ballers provided a few more details in a pair of tweets.
It only makes sense, Bobby Bevis as 15th man to play side by side with Butt-head.
Hm i wonder if jimmy sticks with this “its not about the money” thing or pulls a chris paul and screws over the franchises chance of getting role players like ariza and moute… hm we will see soon enough
How exactly did Chris Paul do that? If anything, Capela cost the rockets Ariza and Luc
CapeLA produces aND is young. CP3 is old and deteriorating, costing more than any other player on the roster. And locked in until he looks like uncle drew.
That is why Paul is going to kill the Rockets.
There is no reason to have a salary cap if players take discounts. Players should not take discounts.
The trade was easy b/c RoCo is considered to be trash in Philly lol. Saric will be missed. Can always attempt to re-sign him down the road.
Shame they renounced Furkan, had a solid game last night.
As for Butler… as long as he isn’t out there hooking up with Simmons or Embiid’s girls they should be fine.
When did they cut korkie? I haven’t been able to verify he has been released. Nothing on this site or via the Internet
He’s still on the team, but his third-year option for 2019/20 was declined last month, so he’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
That would be cool if we could get Saric back in the summer… we can dream, right?
#TrustTheProcess#
Wonder if Philly calls on Monta Ellis or someone similar
Like Carmelo?
Know that this team needs? More poison lol.
From a distance, it appears this kid needs a team of sports psychologists. Not a shot mechanic.
This is agonising to watch. Poor kid.
Fultz, that is….
Butler will be on his best behavior– at least until he signs that 5/190. But probably afterwards too. Players that want out turn sinister; Butler won’t want out in the near future.
Taylor gave Wiggins the big contract, leaving no room for Butler. Blame the MIN FO.
B-U-S-T
= Fultz
Butler thinks he’s an incredible person. In other news…