In the new Netflix series Starting 5, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler opened up about the personal challenges that led to his absences during the 2023-24 NBA season. The 10-episode series, which also features other NBA stars like Jayson Tatum, Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Edwards, and LeBron James, reveals that Butler’s time away from the game was largely due to the illness and eventual death of his father.
Butler had previously kept this private, with the Miami Heat listing his absences as “personal reasons.” In the series, Butler shared the emotional journey of his father’s terminal illness, recounting how he provided hospice care until his father’s death on February 8, 2024. Butler discussed the deep impact of losing his father, explaining how it affected him both on and off the court, stating, “No amount of money or basketball could fix that.”
His agent, Bernie Lee, also spoke about the difficult decision to inform Butler about his father’s terminal diagnosis just before Game 7 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. Despite the heartbreaking news, Butler led the Heat to victory, earning MVP honors for the series and dedicating the trophy to his father.
The series also covers Butler’s performance the day before his father passed, when he played in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, recording a triple-double. After the game, Butler brought the shoes he wore to the hospital as a gift for his father.
In addition to his father’s passing, Butler reflected on the injuries that plagued his 2023-24 season, including a serious ankle injury and a knee issue that caused him to miss the playoffs. He emphasized the importance of taking care of his body and acknowledged the toll injuries have taken on his ability to perform at his best.
The series provides rare glimpses into Butler’s family life, including moments with his children, and offers a look at his personal support network. As Butler approaches a potential contract year, he has expressed his commitment to staying on the court more frequently this season.
