Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler addresses Damian Lillard, NBA rule

BOCA RATON – Jimmy Butler’s NBA orbit is like the moon, seemingly different phases on a daily basis.

So at Monday’s media day there was “Emo” Jimmy, with the straightened hair and mock piercings. At Tuesday’s first day of training camp, it was Silent Jimmy, bypassing interviews. Then, on Wednesday, as the team’s drill work continued at Florida Atlantic University, there was Candid Jimmy.

That opened a window into and translations of the unique world of the Miami Heat’s unique forward, who last season again showed that the ultimate Jimmy is Playoff Jimmy.

This time, Butler:

– Said his “emo” state persists in mind if no longer in body.

– Downplayed his social-media comment about the Milwaukee Bucks tampering with their trade for Damian Lillard.

– And brushed aside the NBA’s new rules implemented to get star plays on the court more often.

Through it all, as he sat shirtless and sweat drenched on a folding chair alongside the FAU bleachers, it was Butler doing what he enjoys doing best – controlling the narrative.

Of his extreme fashion “emo” makeover on media day, followed by his mundane braids now that he is back on the court, Butler said it’s all about the mood of the moment.

“The fire still burns,” he said. “I felt like some braids today. Who knows what I might come in with tomorrow? My hairstylist, Flo, is phenomenal, so she makes the magic happen. So I think it’s more for everybody, including myself, to never know what’s expected next.”

So a troll job?

“I don’t troll people,” he said, smiling. “I’m minding my business. I’m not bothering anybody. People just like to pay attention to what I’m doing. People care about me a little bit, I guess.”