Jimmy Butler requested to get some rest and not be depended upon for Team Curry in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, as he told Head Coach Mike D’Antoni:
“Rest,” Butler said when asked why he didn’t play. “I have to rest. I have to rest my body up. This Timberwolves season is very, very important to me. I’ve got to make sure I’m ready to roll when I get back there.”
I can’t really blame the guy, he leads the NBA in minutes per game and is leading the Timberwolves to their 1st playoff berth since 2004. He also plays for Tom Thibodeau, who is notorious for overworking his players.
One All-Star snub, Lou Williams wasn’t too fond of Butler’s decision, at least in jest (only partially):
@JimmyButler u serious bruh? Lol
— Lou Williams (@TeamLou23) February 19, 2018
Na just trolling. I could careless actually https://t.co/0WaTC9H2RI
— Lou Williams (@TeamLou23) February 19, 2018
I think Lou Williams does care a little bit actually considering he badly wanted a spot on the team and did deserve it this season, but he smartly decided not to go full on Twitter war with Jimmy Butler about it, opting to just needle him a little bit.
He has a point though, I realize NBA players enjoy the break from their hectic schedule and wear and tear on their bodies that the All-Star break brings, especially now, but if you are selected for the honor of playing in the All-Star game you should be willing to participate on some level if you are healthy.
I don’t think we will ever reach a place where the NBA dictates that players play in this game though unless it becomes like players turning down the chance to play the Pro Bowl in the NFL, which let’s be honest, seems silly to actually exist as an actual football game.
