When Jimmy Butler was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this season, the initial perception was that he will ruin the team's chemistry the way he reportedly did when he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former All-Star is not a fan of ‘babysitting' younger players because he's at the point in his career where he wants to compete for championships.
The Sixers instantly became one of the best teams in the league upon Butler's arrival. They made quick work of the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the playoffs and are in a tightly contested second-round series against the Toronto Raptors.
However, one of the Sixers' best players, Joel Embiid, has struggled throughout the series. He played in all six games but has been battling various injuries and sickness in almost every game. Philly was able to tie the series at three games apiece, but with the winner-takes-all Game 7 on Sunday, the pressure for the All-Star center to show up and perform is at an all-time high.
With a lot at stake, it would usually be the time for Butler to erupt and nag at his teammates, particularly Embiid. But that didn't happen. Instead, he advised the 25 year-old center to be who he is and play every game with a smile on his face.
“I just think I try to remind him[Joel Embiid] to always be himself. Always be in a good mood and always smile, good game, bad game or whatever it may be, always be who you are, the happy-go-lucky, joyful human being that knows that he is fortunate enough to play basketball and same with myself,” Butler told Serena Winters of NBC Sports.
Butler understands that a championship team needs a leader, and while he's done his job on the court, he has also learned how to become more vocal during huddles and practices in a way that will inspire his teammates rather than offend them.
The Sixers' core is talented, but they need someone to take charge. Butler assumed that role and has been doing a really good job fulfilling the responsibilities that came along with it.
Whatever happens in Game 7, Philly's foundation is stronger than ever. A large credit of that goes to Butler's maturity not only as a player but also as a leader.
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