PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: JJ Redick #17 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 112-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

JJ Redick Says Jimmy Butler Was Mad the Defense 'Put a White Guy on Him'

Rob GoldbergMar 29, 2020

Jimmy Butler apparently didn't think J.J. Redick could guard him due to race alone.

On The JJ Redick Podcast, Redick discussed with Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson about disrespect that comes to white players.

The veteran noted when Butler was with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the All-Star felt disrespected by the matchup:

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Butler and Redick later played together with the Philadelphia 76ers, while Butler currently plays alongside Robinson with the Heat.

The one time Butler faced the 76ers while a member of the Timberwolves he scored 38 points, so he might have at least had a point against Redick, who is more known for his shooting than his defense.

Still, both Redick and Robinson discussed the larger problem of being disrespected because of their race.

They each indicated they get "challenged" every night because they are white shooters. Robinson indicated it's difficult defensively where opponents' "eyes light up."

White players made up just 18.1 percent of the NBA as of 2018-19, per Richard Lapchick of ESPN.