Jimmy Butler and Mark Wahlberg might be the most unlikely friendship in the NBA. Dating back to Butler's days in Chicago, the now Miami Heat forward has had a tight relationship with the Hollywood actor. The two have gone on trips together. Butler actually trained Wahlberg's daughter. Butler and Wahlberg are basically tied to each other's hips at this point.
In a recent interview, Butler revealed that Wahlberg is a big reason why he's known as one of the most hardworking guys in the NBA. In an interview with GQ, the Heat forward said this about his Hollywood friend.
Article Continues Below“He’s [Wahlberg] a huge influence on me. He’s a great human being, great dad, man of God and I think he works so incredibly hard for someone that has what people would consider everything. He works like he has nothing, and I really respect him… I just saw the way he was operating, working and training in the morning so he could have more time throughout the day to spend with his family. Now that I have a daughter, it makes even more sense. I try to get up and get all my training out the way and then it’s just me and her or me and the guys.”
Butler has a reputation in the NBA for being the hardest worker on the team. That's primarily the reason why he fits so well with this Pat Riley Heat team that focuses on grinding. Now, we get a bit of insight on the reasons why Butler works this hard. It's also heartwarming to see the Heat star dedicate a lot of his time in order to spend more time with his daughter.
That gritty attitude has brought Jimmy Butler from being the last pick in the first round of the draft to a multi-time All-Star. Heat fans can thank Mark Wahlberg for influencing Butler to be this beast on the court (and also have a little fun off the court).