Jimmy Butler on Heat's season so far: 'Just terrible'

Jimmy Butler is not happy with his team's performance so far this season. The Heat sit at 12-17. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Butler has simple assessment of Heat's season so far: 'Just terrible'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/20/21

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has never been one to keep his opinions to himself, even about his own team.

During an interview with ESPN's Rachel Nichols, Butler admitted that the Heat have played "terrible" basketball this season after making it to the NBA Finals last year.

"Terrible. Terrible. Just terrible," Butler said. "Not the way that we say we want to play. Not the way we're supposed to be playing."

Although Miami is just 12-17 to open the season, Butler still believes the team can turn things around.

"But it's OK, because we will turn it around. And like the saying says, 'Better late than never.'"

The Heat's struggles can be linked back to Butler, who missed 10 games after testing positive for COVID-19. Even with him in the lineup, Miami is 9-8.

Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro have made strides offensively, but Butler, Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson have all seen a decrease in production from last season.

The Heat have time to turn things around, as the playoffs don't start until May 22, but they'll have to get in a groove fairly quickly to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference.

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