Minnesota Sports Forum

From February 12th:

John Meyer (@thedailywolf): Jimmy Butler said he doesn't even want to play in the All-Star game, as he's said before. He'd rather take time off and vacation with friends, which is obviously understandable. "What are you doing TG [Taj Gibson]?" ... "Going to Jamaica with my girl." Taj says he's never been.

Camden wrote:From February 12th:

John Meyer (@thedailywolf): Jimmy Butler said he doesn't even want to play in the All-Star game, as he's said before. He'd rather take time off and vacation with friends, which is obviously understandable. "What are you doing TG [Taj Gibson]?" ... "Going to Jamaica with my girl." Taj says he's never been.

Once again I don't blame him. And I really don't care that he did not play. I don't care about the All Star Game. I bet there is some young kids care that he didn't play. I am assuming all of us are adults, so the allure of the all star game is not there like it was when we were kids.

Still think he should of played his 4 minutes (it wouldn't of been a story at all if he did that). Right or wrong players who were snubs on the west all star side are going to take it personally that he didn't play because they missed out on the chance to win 100k.

Also I know it is not his job, but when there is 250k difference in charity money on the line I feel like he should of played, 4 minutes.

But in the grand scheme of things I still love Jimmy and he is huge to the wolves success this year and years going forward.

You can be critical of a single action of a player on your favorite team and still support/like the player...

AbeVigodaLive wrote:You can be critical of a single action of a player on your favorite team and still support/like the player...

Without a doubt, you are correct. I just don't really see anything to fault Jimmy for in this specific situation. One reason is that it's an optional game to begin with, another reason is that he has been saying he didn't want to play in the game for weeks, and the last reason is that I don't think the game fits his style anyway. I've never thought he had a flashy game or skill set. It's more straight to the point, bully ball at times. That's not made for the All-Star game where guys are purposely avoiding contact -- and for good reason -- while also trying to make "wow" plays.

The cherry on top is that he did get the extra rest and he certainly didn't get injured during the All-Star game... because he didn't play! All good in my book.

PS: God forbid, but think about if Russell Westbrook or Giannis Antetokoumpo had gotten banged up during that exhibition game. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler sat out. How do we think the perception would be then?