Sixers fans wonder “what if” after Jimmy Butler has huge game in win over Bucks

Ah, yes. Jimmy “My name isn’t James” Butler. You may recall him from a recent seven-month stint in Philadelphia. If not for anywhere from one to four bounces courtesy of Kawhi Leonard, there’s a world in which Butler was smiling on a victory float down Broad Street last summer.

The segment of the Philadelphia fan base that was firmly “Run It Back” with the 2018-19 squad has had plenty of reason to crow after this miserable past Sixers season, capped off by the embarrassing sweep to the rival Boston Celtics. As it turns out, the Sixers were not built for the playoffs, and any concern about building a team to beat the Milwaukee Bucks was presumptuous. You know who looks like he’s ready to beat the Milwaukee Bucks, though? Jimmy Butler.

The Miami Heat star showed up in a big way in Miami’s 115-104 win in Game 1 of the second round. A playoff-career-high 40 points. 13-of-20 from the field. 2-of-2 from 3. 12-of-13 from the foul line. The typical Jimmy try-hard quote, saying he didn’t invite anyone to the bubble because it’s a business trip.

Naturally, Sixers fans are left wondering what could have been. You know who else is? Joel Hans Embiid.

So as the Heat head back to their hotel rooms in the Bubble to celebrate a win, we can all ponder why there are still Colangelo regime holdovers in the Sixers front office! Where’s the overhaul?

The Philadelphia 76ers. This team can’t even fade into offseason obscurity in a painless fashion.