Why does Jimmy Butler wear jersey No. 22?
Know the reason behind Jimmy Butler wearing Number. 22.
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler has been balling out for the Miami Heat for the past 4 years. And, he has already recorded 3 Eastern Conference Finals appearances and two NBA Finals appearances and now has a shot to win the title this year. When it’s all done and dusted for Jimmy Butler’s career, Miami Heat will surely consider retiring his No. 22 jersey, and many ride with this take. But not all know the reason behind him donning that number.
Jimmy Butler was dragged by the Bulls and wore No.21 with them then he got shipped around to the Timberwolves and the Sixers where he wore No. 23. Now with the Miami Heat where he has finally found himself a home he’s wearing No.22 and there’s a reason behind it. Jimmy Butler had plans to stick with the No.23 as he was signed with the Jordan brand back then.
But for him to wear No. 23 while donning a Miami Heat jersey wasn’t possible. As Pat Riley retired Michael Jordan’s number when MJ officially retired from the league. It was the first time in the history of the league that a franchise retired a player’s number which never played for them.
Jimmy Butler then decided to wear No. 22 and honor his former teammate Taj Gibson. As Jimmy Butler once revealed the reason quoted: “I played with one of the toughest individuals I’ve ever played with in my life — Taj Gibson. He taught me so much about how to be a pro. Sometimes people choose numbers because of someone that inspires them, and Taj is one of those people.” Those are the reason behind Jimmy Butler wearing No. 22 which can be seen in the rafters once Himmy Buckets hangs the gloves.
Related: Jimmy Butler and co. SLAMMED “shameless” by NBA Twitter for being unfazed down 0-1
Pat Riley was ready to unretire Michael Jordan’s No. 23 for Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler once revealed how Miami Heat’s President of Basketball Operations, Pat Riley. Who is one of the best winners in the sporting world was ready to unretire Michael Jordan’s iconic No. 23 for him. A video where he has discussed all of the numbers he has worn throughout his career, has him saying: [No.] 21 I think is a wrap for me. That was just like my Chicago days. I’ll never wear 21 again. You can’t wear 23 [with the Heat] because of M.J. Literally. Pat Riley retired it. But, I will say this, whenever I did come here, Pat told me that I could wear 23. But I said no, so 22 it is.”
Jimmy Butler did the right move by not picking No. 23. As even though he’s a legend of the game, unretiring Michael Jordan’s number would have brought him under serious pressure.
And, also he is yet to win any NBA championships. But has a real chance this season as he has led the Miami Heat to the 2023 NBA Finals and the Heat team is facing the Denver Nuggets.
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Ritik Malik
(1743 Articles Published)