Why Jimmy Butler Changed His Name to Butler III
Jimmy Butler has entered a new chapter with the Golden State Warriors, and he's making an impact right from the start. In his first two games, he’s averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and five assists per game. His energy and performance were key in helping Golden State win both games and build momentum. There’s more to Butler’s transformation than just a change in team colors and jersey number. His name has also changed. While many are used to seeing "Butler" on his jersey, the new version now reads "Butler III" to honor his late father, Jimmy Butler Jr.
His debut game with the Warriors on February 8th happened to fall exactly one year after his father passed away from a terminal illness. "Because I am the third and it's actually a year ago today of the passing of my father," Butler told reporters. "So this was big for me to change it and realize that I am his son. So I'm very grateful and that's why I'm Butler III now." During the Miami Heat’s 2023 playoff run, Butler Jr. was diagnosed with a serious health issue, one that he could not come back from. Butler received the news just before Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite the heartbreak, he led the Heat to victory over the Celtics before they ultimately lost to the Denver Nuggets in the Finals. Afterward, Butler spent his remaining time with his father. The following season, Butler Jr. passed away, and Butler took time away from the Heat to mourn his loss, missing the team's final three games before the 2023-2024 All-Star break.
“When you lose somebody who’s that dear to you and that’s taught you so much, that has seen you grow from a kid to a young adult to a star to the man that I am today as a father and then all of a sudden he’s not there anymore, I didn’t know what to do,” Butler said during Episode five of the Netflix series. “No amount of money in the world could bring him back. Basketball, no matter how much I played it, it couldn’t fix that.” For Jimmy, this period of change is ultimately a positive one. The decision to add "III" to his jersey is a way for him to honor his father for the rest of his career. With each game, he remembers the kind of man and father his dad was. It’s not just a jersey change. It’s a reflection of his personal growth and journey as a human being.
