Erik Spoelstra Sends Warning to Jimmy Butler on Becoming Leader of Miami Heat

While Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has yet to play on the floor with his new team, head coach Erik Spoelstra has some strong words for the alpha.

On whether Jimmy Butler can be a leader, Erik Spoelstra says, simply: “He better.”

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) September 30, 2019

Butler, 30, joined the Heat this past summer after an emotional 2018-19 campaign. The veteran started the season with the Minnesota Timberwolves before getting shipped to the Philadelphia 76ers after a dramatic fallout with teammates and coaches in Minneapolis.

Despite a messy season, the 6-foot-8 forward showed tremendous resolve and production on the basketball court. In fact, Butler took the young Sixers far in the postseason before getting beat by the Toronto Raptors in a competitive playoff series last season.

While the veteran wasn’t able to take down the eventual 2019 champions, he put up a great with fight 22.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game in the second round.

Now, with the star starting the season fresh on a team he wants to be on, the expectation is that Butler will lead the Heat with intensity and high standards.

The eight-year pro has averaged 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game over the course of his career.

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