John Butler Jr.
John Erik Butler Jr. (born December 4, 2002) is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract. He played college basketball for the Florida State Seminoles.
No. 21 – Portland Trail Blazers | |
---|---|
Position | Power forward |
League | NBA |
Personal information | |
Born | Greenville, South Carolina | December 4, 2002
Nationality | American |
Listed height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
Listed weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
Career information | |
High school | Christ Church Episcopal (Greenville, South Carolina) |
College | Florida State (2021–2022) |
NBA draft | 2022 / Undrafted |
Playing career | 2022–present |
Career history | |
2022–present | Portland Trail Blazers |
2023 | →Stockton Kings |
Stats at NBA.com | |
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
High school career
Butler played basketball for Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, South Carolina, where he was coached by his father, John Sr., and was teammates with his younger brother, Jordan.[1] As a senior, he averaged 20.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game, earning Upstate Player of the Year honors from The Greenville News.[2] Butler was named Class 2A Player of the Year and led his team to the state championship.[3] A four-star recruit, he committed to playing college basketball for Florida State over offers from Georgia Tech, Alabama, South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest.[4]
College career
On March 2, 2022, Butler recorded a career-high 16 points, eight rebounds and four blocks in a 74–70 win against Notre Dame.[5] As a freshman, he averaged 5.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 39.3 percent from three-point range. Butler declared for the 2022 NBA draft and opted to forgo his remaining college eligibility.[6]
Professional career
Portland Trail Blazers (2022–present)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Butler joined the New Orleans Pelicans for NBA Summer League play.[7] On October 3, 2022, he was signed to a two-way contract by the Pelicans for the 22-23 season. However, he was waived on October 10.[8]
On October 20, 2022, Butler signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.[9]
On February 26, 2023, Butler was assigned to the Stockton Kings by the Trail Blazers.[10]
Career statistics
GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
Personal life
Butler's mother, Casie, played college basketball for South Carolina.[11] His father, John Sr., serves as head basketball coach at Christ Church Episcopal School.[1]
References
- Preston, Geoff (February 18, 2020). "Standing tall: How Christ Church Butler brothers juggle public eye and basketball pressure". The Greenville News. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Dandron, Joe (January 19, 2022). "Former Christ Church star John Butler Jr. leads Florida State upset of No. 5 Duke". The Greenville News. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Ferrante, Bob (January 31, 2022). "Butler grew up, grew comfortable with his shot, embracing FSU". The Osceola. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Preston, Geoff (July 29, 2020). "Christ Church basketball star John Butler Jr. commits to Florida State". The Greenville News. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- "John Butler helps host FSU thwart Notre Dame". Orlando Sentinel. Associated Press. March 2, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Veazey, Austin (June 1, 2022). "John Butler makes NBA Draft decision". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Yanity, Pete (July 9, 2022). "Butler looks to fit with Pelicans". WSPA. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
- https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-sign-kelan-martin-javonte-smart-roster-101022
- "Trail Blazers Sign John Butler Jr. to Two-Way Contract". NBA. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
- "Portland Trail Blazers Flex-Transfer John Butler Jr. to Stockton Kings". gleague.nba.com. February 26, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
- "John Butler Jr. is a Truly Unique Talent". Phenom Hoop Report. September 3, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2022.