Jimmy Butler Gets Booed in His Return to Philly

Jimmy Butler made his big return to the Wells Fargo Center this weekend. And let’s just say his welcome was far from warm.

Saturday’s game between the 76ers and Heat marked the first time Butler appeared at the arena since leaving Philadelphia for Miami over the summer. During his time with the Sixers, Butler had averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 55 regular-season games.

Despite his contributions, fans weren’t exactly thrilled to see the All-Star back on Philly turf. Just check out the crowd’s reaction when Butler’s name was announced during the pregame introductions.

Butler inked a a four-year, $140.8 million contract with Miami back in July as part of a sign-and-trade with Philadelphia. The 30-year-old explained his decision to leave the 76ers for the Heat back in September.

“To tell you the truth, it’s the culture that I hear about all the time,” he said, as reported by the Miami Herald. “The work that you put in every single day, the winning habits, the winning ways. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? I was excited to have an opportunity to come here, to be here. But when I kept hearing about this culture, I was like, ‘I need that in my life.’

He continued: “I like that our shootarounds are what they are supposed to be, you breaking a sweat. I like that we compete in practice every single day. I like that every time we step onto this court, there is a certain way you have to look, there is a certain mentality you have to have. It’s never like you just step on here just to go through the motions. I think that’s where I got to where I am in the league today.”