Shaq on the Jimmy Butler situation

[Nowoco]

This has caused some controversy. I'll be honest, I've never seen Shaq come across worse than this.

[PeroAntic]

Shaq is drawing from his own experience. But the others saying its unprofessional as if what Jimmy is doing is without precedent is also laughable.

[John8204]

I get where Shaq is coming from here...it's not like Pat Riley didn't do this exact same crap twice when he was a coach with the Lakers and Knicks. If you aren't willing to commit to Butler move him or make him happy he took you to the finals twice.

[Nb1]

But he signed a contract for a specific amount of money for a specific amount of time. He's making millions and signed a contract. You can't in the middle of it just say fu** that. Be professional...

[90sgoat]

The league needs to make some rule about a contract being voided if you ask to be traded or something like that.

[John8204]

But he signed a contract for a specific amount of money for a specific amount of time. He's making millions and signed a contract. You can't in the middle of it just say fu** that. Be professional...

These organizations(Miami, Philadelphia, Clippers. Washington) need to be punished as well...because it feels like it's every season with these handfull of franchises that pull this crap. If you can't keep your players happy that's one thing but make an effort to keep it quiet so it doesn't damage the brand. Maybe lowering the salary cap if you move MAX contracts or taking draft picks, but frankly thing crap is an embarrassment to the sport.

[90sgoat]

I thought he had good arguments about the human nature taking over in cases like this, but he is too far removed from how ordinary people think, same as Butler and the rest, to understand how bad it looks to make 50 million a year and try to get 5 more years of the same at age 36.

These people are too rich, it's like it's a video game highscore to them, they shouldn't make 50 million, the surplus money should be given back to communities, colleges, high schools, playgrounds.

[beasted]

The biggest problem with Butler is that he's given up on his teammates. Sure, be mad at Riley and Arison, but what does that have to do with anyone in the locker room who all makes less than you?

If you added the salary of all 13 players in the locker room and/or on two-way contracts outside of Bam, Herro, and Rozier together, combined together they make less than Butler. From that perspective it's crazy to disrespect your teammates and halfass it. He owes those guys something who are playing for their livelihood while he's losing them games and shortchanging them the opportunity to showcase themselves. If you're going to be stealing play time from them you need to be playing at 100% effort.

[John8204]

He's given up on his teammates by getting suspended? It's the office that's not fielding a competitive team. Fans say that the organization can't sign him to a bad contract because they won't be competitive. Well if you don't want him for other seasons let him go. If you can replace him do so. This is the same team that had Lebron, Shaq, and Wade all walk from it

[E_Stamkos]

He's given up on his teammates by getting suspended? It's the office that's not fielding a competitive team. Fans say that the organization can't sign him to a bad contract because they won't be competitive. Well if you don't want him for other seasons let him go. If you can replace him do so. This is the same team that had Lebron, Shaq, and Wade all walk from it

Good luck finding a buyer who won't fleece you when your asset is dogging it and acting like a complete malcontent.

The irony is, it's the petulant, out of touch idiots like Jimmy that will ultimately force the league's hand to make substantial change to how they operate, fiscally. Aside from the redundant on court product, it's the players themselves who are driving fans away from the game.

You've got regular, everyday folks struggling to fill a shelf in their grocery pantry and this empty headed f*uck is throwing a tantrum in South Beach of all places, with a 52 million dollar player option in his back pocket.

Hork in your palm and slap yourself in the mirror for defending this clown.

[GOBB]

Shaq was unprofessional so his takes suck. You signed a deal and got what you wanted. Now you want more and refuse to play until you get it. Stand your ground Riley

[John8204]

Good luck finding a buyer who won't fleece you when your asset is dogging it and acting like a complete malcontent.

The irony is, it's the petulant, out of touch idiots like Jimmy that will ultimately force the league's hand to make substantial change to how they operate, fiscally. Aside from the redundant on court product, it's the players themselves who are driving fans away from the game.

You've got regular, everyday folks struggling to fill a shelf in their grocery pantry and this empty headed f*uck is throwing a tantrum in South Beach of all places, with a 52 million dollar player option in his back pocket.

Hork in your palm and slap yourself in the mirror for defending this clown.

We all know this is a business but you hate it when a player treats it like one. These stories didn't have to come out, it could have been handled quietly but Pat Riley continues his diva antics that he's done for 30 years. He didn't bring in Dame or Embiid and field a title contender, he doesn't want to commit to Jimmy long term, and he doesn't want Jimmy to play for his team.

The reality is the league could take care of this drama by making a rule that traded players contracts don't effect salary cap. If a team is willing to pay for a contract another team made they shouldn't be penalized for that.

[Phoenix]

The politics of the matter aside, this is why the NBA is losing ratings. Your average meat and potatoes fan trying to decide between rent and food this month ain't trying to hear millionaires bitch about money. Read the room.

[Akeem34TheDream]

B+ level player who is known for his intensity acting like this is disgusting

[beasted]

He's given up on his teammates by getting suspended? It's the office that's not fielding a competitive team. Fans say that the organization can't sign him to a bad contract because they won't be competitive. Well if you don't want him for other seasons let him go. If you can replace him do so. This is the same team that had Lebron, Shaq, and Wade all walk from it

You're just a casual so I'll excuse you not knowing shit about what you're talking about.

Butler had a career low time of possession when playing this season. I think the number the analysts stated was 1.7 seconds per touch since December. He's playing hot potato unwilling to actually try and make plays or score. As soon as he gets the ball he's giving it up. January is his lowest scoring month from a points per game since his 2nd season in Chicago. He's not trying. And ultimately, like I said he's taking opportunity from other guys trying to earn a living.