05/24/2023
Miami Heat executive Pat Riley wanted Jimmy Butler to use his Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers number 23, but the only problem is that it is already retired.
Back on April 11, 2003, the Heat conducted its first-ever jersey retirement, hanging Michael Jordanโs number 23 despite not playing for the team.
Riley showed admiration for Jordan and even said this:
โNo one will ever wear number 23 for the Miami Heat. You're the best.โ
But when Butler came to the Heat, Riley promised that he will unretire number 23. However, Jimmy opted out of the offer and chose No. 22 instead.
Although some may assume that it is out of respect for Jordanโs greatness, Butler had a different player in mind: Taj Gibson.
He considered Gibson as his mentor for teaching him the way the league works and how he should live his life as an NBA player, let alone a star.
That is why he still dons the number 22 in honor of his mentor despite having the freedom to change it to 23.
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฐ!