Joel Embiid recently stirred debate in the basketball world by declaring Jimmy Butler as the best player in the NBA. Speaking highly of his former teammate during a post-game media session, Embiid heaped praise on Butler’s all-around impact on the court, particularly following Butler’s impressive return to the Miami Heat lineup.

“I mean Jimmy is Jimmy does everything. He’s going fast on the ball, commanding while being on the floor. Both sides of the floor. One of the best players in the league. Probably top five. Probably the best actually. Best player in the league. So, you gotta, you know, it’s hard to guard.”

“It takes the whole team. And I thought he did a good job of, you know, like I said, just finding a way to either score or make a play for the teammates and they did knock down shots in those positions. So, like I said, amazing basketball player.”

Butler’s performance against Embiid’s Philadelphia 76ers gave weight to Embiid’s praise. Returning after a four-game absence due to a sprained ankle, Butler posted a season-high 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. He shot an efficient 8-12 from the field, 1-1 from beyond the arc, and a flawless 13-13 from the free-throw line, showcasing his ability to dominate in key moments. The Heat erased a 19-point deficit en route to a commanding 106-89 victory, with Butler’s play fueling the turnaround.

While Embiid’s admiration for Butler is clear, the notion that he is the best player in the league is a stretch for many. Butler has solidified himself as one of the NBA’s elite players, with standout playoff performances and two NBA Finals appearances since joining the Heat. However, his regular-season stats and overall consistency don’t quite align with the criteria typically used to define the best player in the world.

Butler’s career is marked by a unique trajectory, where his greatest moments have often come during the postseason. His ability to elevate his play when it matters most has earned him widespread respect, but it also raises questions about his ranking among the NBA’s best.

Players like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, who consistently dominate in both the regular season and playoffs, tend to overshadow Butler in the conversation about the league’s best.

Despite the skepticism, Butler’s influence on his team is undeniable. He has been the cornerstone of Miami’s success, blending scoring, defense, and leadership into an invaluable package. Against the 76ers, his return was a reminder of just how impactful he can be when healthy and locked in.

For Embiid, his admiration for Butler likely stems from their time as teammates in Philadelphia, where Butler’s fierce competitiveness left a lasting impression. While calling Butler the best player in the NBA might be hyperbolic, it highlights the profound respect Embiid has for his former teammate’s game.

For now, Butler remains a player whose legacy thrives on his ability to defy expectations, especially when the stakes are at their highest. Whether or not he is the best, he continues to prove he belongs in the league’s upper echelon.