The NBA playoffs have reached the conference semi-finals and the Western conference has gone as expected with Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors seemingly on their way to to the finals. But the Eastern conference has been more competitive and the Miami Heat are proving to be an unstoppable force with the defending champion Bucks watching from the sidelines. Jimmy Butler has emerged as a dominant force for the Heat as they easily disposed of the under achieving Sixers and the lazy performance of James Harden. Butler has been relentless with his effort and leadership and has emerged as one of the NBA’s top players. Watching him lead a team of relatively unknown players in the quest for an NBA championship has been great to see as he plays both stellar defense and has elevated his offensive performance to an elite level. But what has been most impressive to watch has been the way he hustles up and down the court, because that is what a leader is supposed to do. Set an example for the other players on the team because if they see their teammate put 100% effort into their game, then need to do the same. And Butler has done just that. Hopefully James Harden is taking notes because he will never win an NBA championship, because he doesn’t play with the intensity the Jimmy Butler does. The Heat still have to get past a very talented team in the Boston Celtics, but it won’t be because of a lack of effort if they don’t win the series. With few exceptions (Malone, Barkley, Ewing, Miller), you can never be considered one of the all-time greats without an NBA Championship. And Jimmy Butler knows that. He has seen what Giannis accommplished with a mediocre supporting cast in Milwaukee and he wants the same and is putting forth the effort to reach that goal. He knows that his teammates will perform at a higher level if their leader sets the example. A great leader makes the players around him better and Butler taken on that leadership role. That is why I believe that goal is reachable for the Miami Heat. Stay tuned as the NBA playoffs wind down and we will see if Butler can lead Miami to the promised land. He will leave it all out on the floor in his quest to hold that championship trophy. That is for certain!!!