Jimmy Butler is in elite playoff mode, which says what for his overall legacy?

75756A5E-120A-4932-810C-2FD980DB785E

How do we rank Miami Heat star, Jimmy Butler? He was not an All-Star this year, he doesn't have any NBA MVP awards, and he doesn't blow you away with stats. But he always shows up when it matters most.

Butler does what the team needs from him in the regular season, but then the playoffs come around and he turns it up another notch.

Butler averaged 31.1 points per game, followed by 5.6 assists, and 6.6 rebounds, entering Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals. In the regular season he averaged 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Again, a good regular season, turned into a phenomenal post season.

This isn't the first time Butler has done this. As recently as 2020, Butler lead the Miami Heat to a NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Bubble. We often hold players to a higher standard when they are able to maintain or elevate their level of play when it matters most, the postseason. Butler has done it time and time again.

This raises the question, how do we rank Butler when it's all said and done?

Greg Clarkson thinks Butler could be compared to Eli Manning.

"Eli Manning," said Clarkson. "He hasn't gotten the ring yet." Whether you think that is a fair comparison or not, what Butler is able to do when it matters most, his mentality, it's contagious and clearly is impacting the Heat's ability to win.

Manning is an interesting comparison because of the Super Bowl performances versus Manning's regular season level of play.

Featured Image Photo Credit: © Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports