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Former Clipper Caron Butler Leading In Detroit

Rowan Kavner

DETROIT – It doesn’t take long for Caron Butler to make his presence felt wherever he goes.

The Clippers found that out when he played two seasons for them from 2011-13, leaving a positive impression on his teammates and coaches wherever he stops. That’s no different now in Detroit, where Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy described him the most natural verbal leader in the locker room of a young team.

“He’s the guy I think everybody in the locker room trusts and listens to,” Van Gundy said. “I think a lot of other guys have tried to take a leadership, but I would say the most trusted voice in there is Caron.”

Different locker rooms possess different vibes. Some are full of young and budding stars. Some are full of seasoned veterans. Some have established players, while others teams are still looking to make a name for themselves.  

For Butler, who’s now on his eighth different roster since entering the league in 2002, he’s had a way of getting those around him to trust him and listen regardless of the circumstances on each squad.

“It’s just being real,” Butler said. “I think the transition isn’t hard because camaraderie is formed really quickly when you’re competing and you’re together so much. This is your new family, because we’re together more than your actual family once the season starts and training camp.

“The transition comes rather quickly because you’re around each other, you’re being honest, giving constructive criticism and speaking your mind. That’s the same way it was in LA and same way it’s been with every other team.”

But with a young roster in Detroit, which features six players who’ve been in the league less than three years, he knows at times he needs to voice his opinion more than in past stops. 

“Sometimes in locker rooms, there’s a certain form of professionalism already established and guys police themselves relatively well so you don’t have to say too much,” Butler said. “But when the culture’s changing and you’re trying to add a different dynamic, you do have to voice yourself more and lead by example and things like that. When you’re in a funk, find a way to get out of it.”

The Pistons are trying to do that, having lost five straight games entering Wednesday night’s matchup against the Clippers with a 3-11 record. 

“That’s why it has been a little more than ever now, particularly this year,” Butler said. “But guys are adapting and staying with it.”

Butler said right now the Pistons are desperate for a win, so it can be tough to think about his Clippers connections other than looking at their record and what he described as quality wins in Miami and Charlotte.

But Butler still remembers his history with the Clippers, where he averaged double digits both of his two seasons on the team. He still keeps in touch with many of the players and wishes them the best, even if that’s not the case in Wednesday night’s game.

“Chris Paul, that’s my brother,” Butler said. “DeAndre (Jordan), Blake (Griffin), all those guys. I pull for those guys secretly. I hope that they all do well. They’re my brothers.”

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