Jimmy Butler Says The Miami Heat Have Championship Aspirations – Sports Illustrated

At the Miami Heat's media day, forwardJimmy Butler addressed his mental drive for this season.

Thats why I play this game -to win a championship and to gain everybodys respect on the court, Butler said. And that goes for everybody I get the opportunity to play with. Thats why we practice the way we practice, work out the way we work out, for no other reason is to win a championship here. And I think that coach Pat [Riley] and [Erik Spoelstra], they do a great job of getting guys like that on a team. On one team. Or making us play for one another and sacrificing for one another. So as we enter this new year its the same thing, same goal and we can do it. Win a championship.

HERRO WANTS TO BE AN ALL-STAR

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro has been selected to the Rising Stars Challenge game and won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award during his career.

Now, he wants another accolade: An All-Star appearance. At Monday's team media day, Herro said that is among his goals this season.

"Yeah, I thought I should have been one last year," Herro said. "But with another jump in my game, I think I can this year."

NO POWER FORWARD FOR BUTLER

The Miami Heat have looked for help at power forward since P.J. Tucker decided to join the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason.

Among the rumored possibilities was Jimmy Butler moving from small forward to fill the spot. At the team's media day Monday, Butler addressed the issue.

While Butler said he could handle the role if needed, the Heat have no plans of making the switch.

I dont care about those speculations, I dont play the four," Butler said. I could play the four, yes. If they absolutely need me to play the four I could yes. If they absolutely wanted to have a conversation about playing the four, I could yes. But Im not playing the four.

The Heat enter Tuesday's training camp in the Bahamas with Caleb Martin as the starting power forward.

BAM READY FOR MORE SHOTS

After last season ended, Miami Heat team president Pat Riley said he wanted more from center Bam Adebayo on the offensive end.

Riley stated he felt Adebayo should attempt at least 15 shots a game. At Monday's team media day, Adebayo accepted the challenge.

"I want close to 18 shots a game," Adebayo said. "I feel like we're a lot better team when we're shooting the basketball."

Adebayo has often been criticized for playing too passive on offense. Last year he averaged 19.1 points and 10.1 rebounds but only took 13 shots a game. The Heat open training camp Tuesday in the Bahamas.

HERRO COMFORTABLE AS A STARTER OR RESERVE

Last year Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro was named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year.

While he has expressed interest in being in the starting lineup, he said he has no problem continuing to come off the bench. Herro spoke Monday at the team's media day at FTX Arena.

You know, Im a team player," Herro said. "Whatever [coach Erik Spoelstra] and the organization wants me to do Im gonna do. Whatever role fits me best, thats what Ill do.

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BUTLER DEBUTS NEW HAIR

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler arrived for Monday's team media day with a new look.

Butler debuted his new longer dreads at FTX Arena. He said he is unsure if he will keep the long hair during the season. The Heat open training camp Tuesday in the Bahamas.

"It's still up for debate if I'm going to keep my hair like this," Butler said.

INLINE

Last season Butler almost led the Heat to their NBA Finals appearance in three seasons. They lost in Game 7 to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. Butler missed a 3-pointer in the closing seconds that would have won the game.

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Shandel Richardson is the Miami Heat writer for Inside The Heat. He can also be read in the Sportsbook Review for gambling coverage from around the NBA.

MORE HEAT-RELATED STORIES

Heat complete roster with Dru Smith signing. CLICK HERE

Two Heat players crack ESPN's 100. CLICK HERE

Heat to hold training camp in the Bahamas. CLICK HERE

For a look at some of the latest Heat apparel. CLICK HERE

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson

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Jimmy Butler Says The Miami Heat Have Championship Aspirations - Sports Illustrated