March 30, 2006

Butler (Stats)

Small forward Rasual Butler enjoyed one of his finest moments as a Hornet on Wednesday night at Golden State, when he drained two 3-pointers in the final minutes to help secure a huge one-point victory. Butler, who spent his first three professional seasons with the Miami Heat, recently chatted with Hornets.com about his career and the NBA.

Most memorable moments in the NBA: “Playing in the Eastern Conference finals last year. With Dwyane Wade injured, I was able to step in and I played really big to help us get a win [Note: During Game 5, Butler scored 12 points after Wade exited with a strained rib muscle, helping Miami win 88-76 and take a 3-2 series lead]. That, and hitting an and-one 3-pointer against Detroit in Game 3 to help us get over the hump and beat them.”

Most memorable dunk in the NBA: “When I dunked on (Philadelphia center) Samuel Dalembert my second year in the league. I pump-faked someone at the 3-point line, took one dribble on the baseline and dunked on him. Part of why it was memorable was because one time in college I tried to dunk on (Dalembert) and it turned into an ESPN highlight. On ESPN they froze the picture with both of our hands at the top of the square on the backboard, but he blocked it. So I always vowed to get him back. I got him back [Butler grins].”

Most embarrassing moment in the NBA: “In Boston, I took a shot from the left wing that missed everything and just hit the backboard – hard.”

Most surprising thing about the NBA as a rookie: “How hard the practices were and how consistent you need to be in order to stay in the league – the preparation required of you each and every day.”

Toughest players to face at his position: Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady.

Most underrated non-Hornets player in the NBA: Heat power forward Udonis Haslem. “I’ve known him since high school and I played with him in Miami. He brings so much to the game defensively. He can score too, but he’s not really needed for that. He comes up with the big rebound and makes the defensive plays. I don’t think he gets enough credit for all that he does. He’s like a Ben Wallace-type guy – undersized, but for him to get the job done the way he does at only 6-foot-8 is amazing.”

Favorite NBA road arena: New York’s Madison Square Garden. “I love the Garden because of all of the history there. It’s always packed. It’s the basketball mecca.”

Favorite NBA road trip based on the city: Los Angeles. “Nice weather, nice restaurants, great nightlife.”

Best trash-talker in the NBA: Gary Payton. “When I was a rookie, I hit a couple shots and said something to him. He said back to me, ‘Hey, young fella, I don’t think you know who you’re talking to right now.’ He stayed on me the rest of the game.”