“Not in Serbia no more” - Jimmy Butler pokes fun at Nikola Jovic as Heat hit the beach ahead of preseason
After taking a business-minded media day approach, Miami Heat superstar forward Jimmy Butler hit the beach with his teammates during training camp in the Bahamas. Amid their trip, Butler poked fun at third-year Heat forward Nikola Jovic's apparent lack of fear of the ocean.
Many expected Butler to entertain fans during Monday's media day after he famously began the last two seasons with unorthodox hairstyles. Instead, the six-time All-Star opted for a low-key media day appearance, shifting the focus toward helping his squad return to contending in the Eastern Conference.
Afterward, Butler and Co. traveled to Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas, where Miami began hosting training camp on Tuesday. The Heat appear to be making the most of the bonding opportunity, as Butler shared a series of Instagram stories on Thursday showcasing their overseas experiences.
Butler's IG stories include photos and videos of the team beachside, barbecuing, eating and playing cards as they capitalize on the country's subtropical climate.
In one clip, Butler jokes with Jovic after the Serbian ventures into the ocean without hesitation, seemingly unafraid of potential lurking marine threats.
"He's f**king crazy," Butler said. "I mean, you're not in Serbia no more, man. You're not in Serbia no more, bud."
Later in the video, he quips about his disinterest in joining his teammate.
"Boy, getting out there? I would never," Butler said.
However, Jovic seemingly went unbothered, with Butler later checking in on him to find the Serbian leisurely floating on his back in the water.
Watch: Inside Jimmy Butler's luxurious mansion in Southern California
Erik Spoelstra says Jimmy Butler and Heat are embracing "new beginning" at training camp in the Bahamas
Following Miami's Tuesday practice, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra touched on his squad's training camp experience in the Bahamas.
Spoelstra highlighted how beneficial it was for the Heat to get a fresh start.
"You hear all of the things that it's great to get away. However, it also signals that this is different. It's a new opportunity," Spoelstra said. "This is the start of a new beginning. You get away for training camp, you focus on each other. It should feel different than a regular season practice."
Spoelstra added that his team has been making strides, with players locking in ahead of preseason.
"Training camp has been productive here, and it just feels different from the moment we land," Spoelstra said. "It's a lot different practicing here than a January practice at home."
Miami is looking to rebound from last year's underwhelming season. After making an unexpected 2023 NBA Finals run, the franchise finished eighth in the East (46-36). The Heat were later unceremoniously dispatched in five games by the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.
Following training camp, Jimmy Butler and Co. will begin their five-game preseason schedule when they visit the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 8.
Also Read: “I hear him" - Jimmy Butler reflects on Pat Riley's "keep your mouth shut" comment ahead of 2024-25 NBA season