Jimmy Butler is a robust wall of defense for the Miami Heat, and he is considered the best in the league. As such, the forward can easily identify the best that the NBA can offer - the superstars whose scoring prowess seems a matter of routine. In many cases, Butler has had encounters with these great players and he knows they are the best of the lot.
He has a list of these potent scoring weapons and although there is no ranking mentioned, it was clear that Butler's top choice is none other than LeBron James. The Heat star described King James as a dominant force on the court and arguably the best in the world at the moment.
"He's still the best all-around player in the league ... He can shoot. Pass. Attack the rim. Defend ... Whatever you need, whenever you need it," Butler was reported by Fadeaway World as saying.
Guarding the Lakers star is a nightmare as Butler observed that a smaller defender will be overpowered with ease while a big man checking on James will most of the time be lagging behind.
"He's one of the most dynamic players this league has ever seen. He can literally play every position on the court and be elite at all of them," said the defensive specialist.
Another lethal weapon for Butler is the Warriors' Stephen Curry, who he conceded has the license to snipe from coach Steve Kerr. The beauty of Curry is his versatility. He can throw from a great distance and the chance is high it will sink. He can also get past a hurdle and take a sweet drive to the ring. Or he can have the defense collapse on him then pass the ball. In all instances, the GSW star can certainly make the score Butler said.
"He has the ultimate green light ... and he doesn't abuse it," Butler was reported by Heat Nation as saying.
Then there is Kevin Durant, who because of sheer size and athleticism seems unstoppable on the floor, the Heat star said and per the report from Clutch Points.
"He can post you up because he's seven [feet]. He can dunk on you because he's seven. And he can shoot over you ... And there's nothing you can do about it," Butler was reported as saying.
The Butler list was completed by James Harden and Kyrie Irving. The latter he praised for being shifty and crafty. And the former is virtually unstoppable. All the defense plans can be thrown at Harden and still, he'll make the points, Butler assured.
