Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid stunned the basketball world by declaring Jimmy Butler the NBA’s “best player” after Butler’s incredible display against the Sixers on Monday night. Following Miami’s 106-89 win, Embiid praised his former teammate, choosing Butler over the likes of Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Jimmy’s Jimmy,” said Embiid. “He does everything—scoring, passing, commanding the floor on both sides. Probably top five. Probably the best actually. Best player in the league. He’s hard to guard; it takes the whole team.”
Butler, fresh off a four-game absence due to an ankle injury, dominated with 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and a steal in just 33 minutes. This standout performance came as a much-needed boost for the Heat, who overcame a 19-point deficit thanks to Butler’s leadership.
Though Butler remained humble, his performance significantly elevated his season stats, boosting his field goal percentage to 50% and reigniting hope for Heat fans. With Miami set to face the Dallas Mavericks next, all eyes will be on Butler to see if he can sustain this elite form.
Butler’s resurgence comes at a pivotal moment for the Heat, who have struggled to find consistency early in the 2024-25 season. Before Monday’s game, Butler had been averaging 16.1 points per game with uncharacteristically poor three-point shooting at just 15.4%. His return from injury, however, seems to have reinvigorated not only his game but also his team’s confidence moving forward.
The Heat forward’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor was on full display against the 76ers. Butler’s efficient 12-shot outing, coupled with zero turnovers, highlighted his value as a leader and playmaker. Heat fans and analysts alike are optimistic that this performance is a sign of things to come for the veteran forward, who remains the heart and soul of Miami’s roster.
Meanwhile, Embiid’s remarks have sparked widespread debate across the league. While many consider Jokic and Antetokounmpo the top players in the NBA due to their MVP accolades and consistent dominance, Embiid’s recognition of Butler underscores the unique intangibles that the Heat star brings to the game.
“Jimmy isn’t just a scorer or defender,” added Embiid. “He’s a complete player and a fierce competitor. Playing against him, you realize how much he impacts every possession.”
The Heat will need Butler’s elite form to sustain their momentum as they head into a challenging part of their schedule. Miami currently sits in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings, with hopes of climbing into a top playoff seed. Sunday’s matchup against Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks will provide another opportunity for Butler to solidify his standing as one of the league’s premier talents.
As the season unfolds, Butler’s influence on the Heat and his ability to maintain this level of play will be crucial. If this performance is any indication, he may once again prove to be the X-factor in Miami’s quest for a deep postseason run.
