Turmoil was the main term used to describe the Philadelphia 76ers' 2024-25 campaign, with injuries spreading through the roster like a wildfire, effectively resulting in the franchise having one of its worst seasons in modern history. However, Jared Butler provided glimpses of positivity throughout his tenure with the team. The 76ers opted against re-signing the player for another year. After a tough start to his career in Serbia, the Sixers' front office appears to have made the correct decision.
Despite turning in a stunning performance for the Phoenix Suns during a 113-104 preseason triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers -- recording 35 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists -- Jared Butler was waived by the franchise, with many Philadelphia fans believing he could return to the roster.
During his time with the Sixers, Butler's numbers arguably warranted a spot on the payroll for another season. The 25-year-old averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, acting as Philadelphia's primary ball handler in the absence of Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.
Nevertheless, the 76ers' pursuit of Quentin Grimes rather than Butler has proven to be an astute decision, as the versatile guard's performances has put him in the conversation for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award. Butler's destiny proved to lie in the land of Serbia, but he is yet to prove his former employers wrong with a set of underwhelming displays.
Butler's lacklustre contributions have yet to refute 76ers' verdict
European basketball is growing in stature and quality each passing year, yet when NBA-calibre players make the move overseas, their talent tends to shine through, resulting in a transfer back to the USA within a matter of months. Butler is struggling to create this level of impact for his new team, Crvena Zvezda Belgrade.
In the EuroLeague -- Europe's most prestigious tournament -- the former 76ers guard has only been placed in the starting lineup in one of his eight appearances. Butler has recorded 9.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while averaging around 16 minutes on the floor.
Butler's willingness to take a step back on offense and allow others around him to take control of the scoring prevents him from standing out on a roster. This was evident during his stint in the City of Brotherly Love, as Butler was comfortable with being part of the system, while Quentin Grimes showed the 76ers fan base that he was the reason that the system could be successful.
Grimes cut an aggressive offensive figure that wanted the ball in his hands in areas where he could devastate the opposition, hence why he recorded 21.9 points per game and became the priority target during Philadelphia's offseason recruitment. In comparison, Butler was happy to make the next pass and swing the ball to the next open shooter.
Undoubtedly, the Philadelphia 76ers will be feeling very smug with their decision to select Quentin Grimes over Jared Butler, given that his European journey is yet to show any signs of prospering.