Why didn’t Jimmy Butler play in the NBA All-Star game?

Jimmy Butler didn’t play in tonight’s All-Star game, and everybody is trying to figure out why. It looks like we might have an answer.

The All-Star game adopted a new format this year, and by the looks of it, it’s worked out just fine. Amid all the injuries to Team LeBron, there were a handful of replacement players. Team Stephen might have done well to identify a replacement too because Jimmy Butler hasn’t played a single minute.

There are a number of rumors swirling around as to why Butler didn’t play in the All-Star game, because it’s very odd for someone to be selected and not play. DeMarcus Cousins was in the middle of being traded last year, and he still logged some minutes before sitting most of the game. According to CBS, Butler isn’t playing so that he can finally rest.

Evidently, Butler told Team Stephen head coach Mike D’Antoni not to worry about playing him in the game. There were some unconfirmed rumors that Butler was sick due to being out late the night before the game, but it seems that isn’t the case.

It’s not surprising that he might actually need some rest during the All-Star break because he plays so many minutes during the regular season. Entering the break, Butler led the NBA in minutes played per game, and he’s ninth in total minutes played this season. He’s also been battling a few injuries as of late.

Next: Devin Booker wins 3-point contest with record performance

All that serves as a solid reason as to why he wouldn’t play. That being said, could you imagine if it really was because he was sick due to a night out on the town? The game is in L.A., and the city is notorious for its effects on the performance of visiting players. It would set up perfectly for an All-Star flu game if you think about it.

Either way it’s doubtful that anyone is too bent out of shape that Butler didn’t play in the game, but I’m sure Tom Thibodeau is probably sitting at home grinning ear to ear.