76ers coach Brett Brown tried to compliment Jimmy Butler’s maturity by calling him “James Butler.” Butler wasn’t having it.
Big deal or no?
Butler brought up the erroneous moniker in an Instagram caption, which made it sound as if he were willing to kid about the mistake. But in comments to former Timberwolves teammate Tyus Jones, Butler sounded much more serious.
Butler:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw3fhfjBCPZ/
Butler:
Jones:
Butler:
I can’t say precisely how much Butler cares about Brown calling him James. But Butler made a name for himself from humble beginnings. He should take pride in that, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this legitimately bothers him.
Brown clearly meant no harm. He was trying to praise Butler, and intent should matter.
But knowing a player well enough not to accidently offend him is part of coaching, too.
