Miami Heat assistant coach Caron Butler has recently turned his attention to the organization’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Last week, the Heat’s development affiliate acquired Butler’s son, JC Butler, from available players due to a roster shortage.
JC, a 6-foot-5 guard, joined the Skyforce after going undrafted out of the University of California, Irvine last summer.
“It’s unbelievable,” Butler said before the Heat’s game against the Magic in Orlando on Wednesday night.
“I am forever grateful to the Allison family, coaches (Pat) Riley, Andy Ellisberg and coach (Erik Spoelstra) for giving him this opportunity.
He really traveled all over the place during this process, entered a portal, and apparently got picked up.
That’s a huge relief and I’m just happy for him.
” Prior to being acquired by Skyforce, JC was considering basketball opportunities overseas and he had already begun playing as a practice squad with Skyforce.
He attended the Skyforce’s training camp before the start of the season, but was not shortlisted and ultimately made the team.
The 23-year-old JC averaged 3.
9 points, 1.
5 rebounds and 0.
5 assists per game as a redshirt senior at UC Irvine last season and shot 47.
8 percent from the field.
He hit 20 of 45 (44.
4 percent).
He scored from 3-point range before going undrafted last June.
Asked about the scouting report on his son, Butler said, “I think he’s obviously just known for his athletic ability.
” “But defensively he’s a brave guy who can do that.
He’s very efficient from the three-point line.
He’s good at catch-and-shoot, he’s good at catch-and-go off the dribble.
But he Like any young player, he has so many tools and so many things he needs to sharpen.
I’m really happy for him to come under our roof and continue his development there.
” This isn’t the first time the team has added a familiar face to its development program.
Tre Mourning, the son of former Heat center and current Heat manager Alonzo Mourning, played on the Heat’s summer league team in 2019 before being drafted by the Skyforce in the G League draft.
“We always talk about the culture, we always talk about the courage and connection that we have, the equity of sweat on the court, and the work ethic that it takes to be on this court under this roof.
” Butler said.
His history with the Heat dates back to 2002, when he was drafted 10th overall by Miami.
“He deserved a chance, but he definitely got a big boost just because he’s part of the fabric of this organization and he’s already a legend.
” Butler transferred to Los Angeles He spent the first two seasons of his NBA career with the Heat before being traded to the Lakers in 2004 as part of the Shaquille O’Neal acquisition package.
Butler then returned to Erik Spoelstra’s coaching staff and is currently in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Heat.
Learn more
