Jimmy Butler is adapting to life in Minnesota after spending the first six years of his career in Chicago. Part of adjusting to his new scenery is getting out in the wilderness and experiencing the bounty his new home has to offer.
Jimmy Butler demanded two life jackets, then capsized in a foot of water during his outdoor adventure
This was delightful.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
ESPN took Butler out for a day of wilderness appreciation, and it was better than you could possibly imagine.
He demanded having both life jackets before stepping in a canoe.
Jimmy couldn’t even zip up the second one, but it’s OK — because he felt safe. Butler said he needed both because he couldn’t swim, leaving ESPN writer Sam Alipour without one.
Jimmy Butler screaming as he capsizes in a foot of water is a delight
This is one of two impressive screams in the video and they sound the exact same. Butler can seriously hit those high notes, which I never would have expected. A post-basketball career as an opera singer could be in the cards if he works at it.
Jimmy is not good at starting fires
Claiming he “saw this on TV,” Butler runs into the woods and grabs two damp pieces of wood, twirling them around for a bit before giving up. The pair end up getting a fire started, but it’s mostly dry 2x4s that ESPN brought and some firestarter logs.
Did we learn anything else?
Aside from the goofs about Butler’s lack of outdoor acumen, this was a really great interview. Jimmy opens up on his time in Chicago and why he had to leave, how he feels about the Timberwolves’ youth, and how his relationship with Tom Thibodeau has changed over the years. Definitely give it a watch.
