Jimmy Butler is officially listed as “DNP-Coach’s Decision” in the box score for the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, but in reality, it was his own decision not to play.
After watching Team LeBron beat his Team Stephen 148-145 in an untypically competitive All-Star Game on Sunday, Butler explained that he asked coach Mike D’Antoni to keep him on the bench for all 48 minutes because he wanted to save himself for the Timberwolves’ push toward the playoffs.
“Just rest, man,” Butler said, via the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “I got to rest. I got to rest my body up. I know this Timberwolves season is very, very important to me. I’ve got to be ready to roll when I get back there.”
Via Pro Basketball Talk, while some speculated Butler did not want to play after imbibing too heavily in the L.A. nightlife over the weekend, D’Antoni confirmed Butler’s explanation.
“He was tired and he just felt like his legs weren’t there,” D’Antoni said after Sunday’s game. “He didn’t practice yesterday or play today. You have to respect that. He plays hard. Sometimes your body just needs a rest.”
Butler said he has no regrets and that he enjoyed his time as a spectator.
“No, I like it,” he said when asked if he missed being on the floor, “I like that competitive edge that everybody got. Everybody wanted to win. It makes me smile that everybody’s out there competing like that. That’s big time.”
The Timberwolves' season resumes Friday with a nationally-televised game at Houston.
