During the Denver Nuggets’ NBA Finals media day, Aaron Gordon and Co. were asked how they plan to defend Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.
As expected, Gordon and his teammates said it will be a challenge to stop Butler.
“Staying out of foul trouble is going to be really crucial,” Gordon said. “Jimmy does a great job of seeking contact and getting the refs to make a decision. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I think out of everybody that you mentioned, I think Jimmy could potentially be the most complete player out of those guys. That’s saying a lot.
“As far as the offensive package, the defensive package, the in-between too — the transition, the cuts, the offensive rebounds,” Gordon explained. “He can shoot the three. He can make the three. He can make the middle. He can get to the cup. And he does it through 48 minutes. He is a difficult cover, for sure.”
NBA NEWS & FINALS COVERAGE: Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets, Jimmy Butler & Miami Heat Updates
Butler is averaging 28.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.1 steals in the 2023 playoffs. The six-time All-Star is also averaging 9.1 free throw attempts per game.
Boston Celtics small forward Grant Williams talked trash to Butler in the Eastern Conference Finals. That move backfired on Williams and Gordon is aware of it.
“Jimmy is not like a crazy talker,” Gordon said. “He doesn’t talk too wild. I think he talks, if you start with him, if he gets rolling, he might start chirping a little bit. I think what gets under people’s skin about Jimmy is his calm and collectedness. Through 48 minutes, he’s very poised and he’s very calm. I think that’s really what irks other people.”
NBA NEWS & FINALS COVERAGE: Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets, Jimmy Butler & Miami Heat Updates
Gordon and Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray will be matched up against Butler in the Finals. Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will likely switch onto the Heat superstar as well.
“Show your hands. Be in a stance. It’s going to take a team effort, crowd,” Murray said. “Verticality, jumping straight up when he attacks the rim. He’s going to throw his body at you. He’s going to fall to the floor. You just got to stay solid and be as legal as possible. That’s a couple things to touch on.”
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