Section 215
Fansided

Jimmy Butler joining Heat best thing to happen for 76ers

By Dan Parzych

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 31: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on October 31, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 31: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on October 31, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers had little trouble getting by Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat on Saturday.

Back in the offseason, there was some frustration surrounding the fan base after finding out the Philadelphia 76ers wouldn’t be bringing back Jimmy Butler after the star forward decided he would prefer to play with the Miami Heat.

At the time, Sixers fans were hoping Butler would return to help keep the team in the best position possible to remain a top contender in the Eastern Conference after coming up short in the semifinals of the playoffs for a second year in a row.

Part of the reason behind Philadelphia’s decision to acquire Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves last season was due to the belief he was a key piece to the team finally getting over the hump to reach the NBA Finals.

And while the verdict is still out there over whether this is actually the case, after watching the Sixers defeat Butler and the Heat 113-86 on Saturday night, it seems pretty clear that Philadelphia made out just fine without their former forward.

In fact, shortly after finding out that Butler was on his way out, Sixers fans eventually found out that Al Horford and Josh Richardson would be joining the squad.

Even though it was difficult to see at the time for some fans, these moves seemed like an upgrade for Philadelphia since the team all of a sudden appeared to have one of the top starting lineups in the Eastern Conference.

Despite starting the new season off on a hot note with a 5-0 record to make it seem like the decisions from the offseason paid off in a big way, there were some concerns when the Sixers would eventually go on to lose five of their next seven games.

But after Saturday’s win over Butler and Heat marked Philadelphia’s fourth victory in a row, this was another reminder how the team still made out better for the 2019-20 season.

Nothing against Butler since his talent alone makes him one of the best players in the league, but this seems like one of those situations in which both parties benefitted from moving on.

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This opinion could easily change down the road if the Sixers happen to see Butler and the rest of his Heat teammates in the playoffs, but for now, at least Philadelphia has every reason to feel good about their previous decision.

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