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Jimmy Butler doesn't care what you think – in some form, at least. If you must have an opinion on the Philadelphia 76ers superstar, though, he apparently prefers it to be a negative one.
In a sprawling, thoughtful, expletive-laden interview with Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks, the notoriously combative Butler opened about living in the spotlight, stressing that he cares not for praise or criticism directed his way as long those voicing it are being true to themselves. Why? Butler, for better or for worse, expects the same of himself.
“I like it, though. I don't want everybody to like me. What fun is that? I'd actually like more people to dislike me, 'cause then you're really paying attention,” he said. “You know, take whatever I say and choose to accept it, believe it, not like me even more – just be you. I'm gonna be me whether you like it or not. I don't give, in the way that I like to say it, I don't give a f***.”
Butler, of course, has been a lightning rod for criticism ever since his contentious final season with the Chicago Bulls in 2016-17. He then lasted barely more than one season after being dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves, asking for a trade last summer that was finally honored in early November. Shortly after his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers, word spread that the four-time All-Star had clashed with his new coach, Brett Brown, during a film session, a conflict Brown subsequently downplayed.
Butler, 29, has a player option for his contract next season, one he's likely to decline in favor of becoming a free agent. Philadelphia insists it plans on re-signing him to a max-level deal come July, though that possibility coming to fruition will surely be affected by how the team fares in the playoffs.
