Jimmy Butler beats to his own drum, and always has.
The Miami Heat star has carried his team to the NBA Finals twice in the last four seasons with rosters that pale in comparison to their counterparts. In fact, that underdog mentality seems to be where Butler thrives and its what has him on a Hall of Fame trajectory — a far cry from where the forward was at the end of his tenure in Minnesota.
Following a short stint in Philadelphia, Butler found a home in Miami and the sand between his toes is the exact feeling he wants at any potential induction ceremony. The issue is that Springfield, Mass. isn't known for its sand, beaches or warm weather.
DECOURCY: The Hard Road: Jimmy Butler's path to stardom has not been easy
It's also a place that Butler says he won't be visiting if he is elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Speaking with TNT and NBA TV's Jared Greenberg about Dwyane Wade's upcoming ceremony prior to Monday night's Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Butler was asked about what it would mean to him to be inducted someday.
"Don't care," Butler bluntly replied.
Jimmy Butler says if he's ever elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame, he won't attend the ceremony.
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 12, 2023
"I'm not worried about the Hall of Fame. ...It's an honor, it is, but I could care less." pic.twitter.com/1xxtYKNMdL
Greenberg followed up, seemingly shocked at the initial response, and attempted to ask about how his résumé would hold up. Butler stood behind his words.
"Still don't care," Butler said. "Honestly speaking, could care less. And if we're being really honest, if I was selected to the Hall of Fame, I'm not going."
He would continue on, saying he'd rather put his feet in the sand somewhere — calling the honor an individual thing.
I'm not for the individual type stuff, I'm really not. I'm like a team guy.
Greenberg, who appeared stunned at how the interview was going, tried again. "But even after it's all said and done..."
Butler cut him off with a convincing, "No. I don't want to go. I'm not worried about the Hall of Fame. It's an honor, it is, but I could care less. I mean that too, by the way."
Basketball culture, especially in NBA circles, has revolved around legacy debates, Hall of Fame ceremonies, championship rings and so much more. It's become part of every discussion — where a player stands in history at a given moment.
MORE: How Jimmy Butler turned his love for coffee into a second career
Butler's legacy has been a topic throughout the 2023 NBA Finals and will surely intensify even further once the games are finished, carrying through the summer. For some, it's exhausting while it motivates others.
Butler appears to fall into the former camp. The 33-year-old might want to make "don't care" his personal slogan with the rate he uses it. He doesn't care what's said about him, what the media thinks, whether he makes an All-Star team, or whether he gets into the Hall of Fame.
Players elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame must be retired for four full seasons before becoming eligible. Will Butler change his tune by then? Don't bank on it.
