Around the time Jimmy Butler returned to the lineup in late January after missing 10 consecutive games tied up in the NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols, Bam Adebayo was asked how the game was different with his teammate back on the court.
“He’s an All-Star,” Adebayo said, pausing to search for words and finding nothing better. “That’s it.”
That didn’t play out in reality as Butler missed out on his sixth All-Star selection last night. The rationale understandable given the time missed and the team’s current record – coaches select the reserves and coaches tend to reward team success – but though he won’t be playing in the game Butler has been as much an All-Star as anyone in the time he’s been available.