Caron Butler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Caron Butler

Butler in 2023
Miami Heat
Assistant coach
Personal information
Born	(1980-03-13) March 13, 1980 (age 45) Racine, Wisconsin, U.S.
High school	Racine Park (Racine, Wisconsin) Maine Central Institute (Pittsfield, Maine)
Listed height	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight	228 lb (103 kg)
Career information
College	UConn (2000–2002)
NBA Draft	2002 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
Selected by the Miami Heat
Pro career	2002–2016
Coaching career	2020–present
League	NBA
Career history
As player:
2002–2004	Miami Heat
2004–2005	Los Angeles Lakers
2005–2010	Washington Wizards
2010–2011	Dallas Mavericks
2011–2013	Los Angeles Clippers
2013–2014	Milwaukee Bucks
2014	Oklahoma City Thunder
2014–2015	Detroit Pistons
2015–2016	Sacramento Kings
As coach:
2020–present	Miami Heat (assistant)
Career highlights and awards
NBA champion (2011) 2× NBA All-Star (2007, 2008) NBA All-Rookie First Team (2003) Second-team All-American – SN (2002) Big East Player of the Year (2002) First-team All-Big East (2002) Third-team All-Big East (2001)
Career NBA statistics
Points	12,430 (14.1 ppg)
Rebounds	4,387 (5.0 rpg)
Assists	2,007 (2.3 apg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing  United States FIBA U21 World Championship Gold 2001 Saitama Team competition

James Caron Butler (born March 13, 1980) is an American professional basketball coach and former player. He is currently an assistant coach for the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association (NBA). During his 14-year playing career, he played for many teams, including the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. Butler was chosen for the NBA All-Star team twice. In 2002, he was named the Big East Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year while playing for the Connecticut Huskies.

Early Life and College Career

Caron Butler found his love for basketball at a young age. He played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball in 1998 and 1999. After playing briefly at Racine Park High School, he went to Maine Central Institute. There, he played well enough to earn a scholarship to the University of Connecticut. He played for the Connecticut Huskies men's basketball team under coach Jim Calhoun for two years.

At Connecticut, Butler worked hard to improve his game. As a freshman, he led the Huskies in scoring and rebounding. He averaged 15.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. The summer after his first year, he played for the U.S. team. They won a gold medal at the 2001 FIBA World Championship for Young Men.

Butler had an even better second year. He averaged 20.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He helped the Huskies win both the regular season and tournament Big East titles. He was also named the Big East tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Butler was chosen as co-Big East Player of the Year and a second-team All-American. He led the Huskies to the Elite Eight of the NCAA basketball tournament. After this successful season, Butler decided to enter the NBA draft.

NBA Career Highlights

Starting with the Miami Heat (2002–2004)

The Miami Heat picked Butler as the 10th overall player in the 2002 NBA draft. As a rookie, he started in 78 games and averaged 15.4 points. He also had 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. Butler won the Rookie of the Month award four times. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie Team.

In the 2003–2004 season, Butler faced some injuries. His scoring average dropped to 9.2 points per game. However, the Heat, led by Dwyane Wade and Lamar Odom, made it to the playoffs. They won a tough seven-game series against the New Orleans Hornets. In Game 7, Butler scored 23 points. The Heat then played the Indiana Pacers but lost in six games. After the season, Butler was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a deal for Shaquille O'Neal.

Moving to the Los Angeles Lakers (2004–2005)

The Los Angeles Lakers were rebuilding their team around superstar Kobe Bryant. Butler started in all 77 games he played in the 2004–2005 season. He averaged 15.5 points per game. The Lakers struggled with injuries and did not make the playoffs. After one season, Butler was traded again, this time to the Washington Wizards.

Becoming a Star with the Washington Wizards (2005–2010)

Butler shooting a free throw in April 2009

When Butler joined the Washington Wizards, he signed a big contract. He became part of the Wizards' "Big 3" with Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. Coach Eddie Jordan nicknamed him "Tough Juice." This was because of his strong and energetic playing style.

On January 17, 2007, Butler made his first game-winning shot against the Knicks. He was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week. He had his best season yet, with career-high averages in points, rebounds, and assists. He was also chosen as an NBA All-Star for the first time. However, he broke his hand late in the season and missed the playoffs.

Butler dunking the ball

Butler was selected for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game again. But he could not play due to a hip injury. He missed 20 games that season. He returned to play on his 28th birthday, scoring 19 points against the Cavaliers.

Winning a Championship with the Dallas Mavericks (2010–2011)

In February 2010, Butler was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks made the playoffs but lost in the first round.

On January 4, 2011, Butler had surgery for a knee injury and missed the rest of the season. Even though he was injured, the Mavericks went on to win the 2011 NBA Finals. They beat the Miami Heat 4-2, earning their first NBA championship.

Playing for the Los Angeles Clippers (2011–2013)

In December 2011, Butler signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. He was a starter for two seasons and helped the team reach the playoffs twice.

Later Career Teams (2013–2016)

Butler played for several other teams in his career. In 2013, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. He later signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2014. That year, the Thunder made it to the Western Conference Finals.

In July 2014, Butler signed with the Detroit Pistons. He was later traded back to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2015, but was then released.

His final team was the Sacramento Kings, where he signed in July 2015. He played limited minutes in 17 games during the 2015–16 season. Butler's last NBA game was on April 11, 2016. He officially announced his retirement from basketball on February 6, 2018.

Coaching Career

On November 14, 2020, the Miami Heat announced that they had hired Caron Butler as an assistant coach.

Other Activities

In 2015, Caron Butler wrote a book about his life called Tuff Juice: My Journey from the Streets to the NBA. In 2019, actor Mark Wahlberg became a producer for a movie based on Butler's life story.

In 2017, Butler became a commentator for Global Mixed Gender Basketball (GMGB) games. This is a special league where men and women play together. He also owns a team in this league called the Wisconsin Cheeseheads.

Also in 2017, Butler joined ESPN as an analyst for college basketball and NBA games. In 2018, he also became an NBA analyst for FS1.

Personal Life

Caron Butler is a Christian. He found a new path in life by reading the Bible. He became very serious about basketball when he saw a court from his window. Butler has said that he believes God guided his life to help him inspire others.

In May 2007, Butler attended a surprise birthday party for a 16-year-old fan. He did this quietly, showing his kind nature.

After working at Burger King when he was young, Butler now owns six Burger King restaurants across the United States. He has also taken business classes at Duke University.

Caron Butler's mother is Mattie Claybrook Paden. His father joined the Marines when Caron was born. His mother later married Melvin, and Caron has a younger brother named Melvin III.

Caron met his wife, Andrea Pink Butler, at UConn's summer program. They got married in Las Vegas in 2005. Caron has a daughter and son from a previous relationship, and three more daughters with Andrea.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

See also

In Spanish: Caron Butler para niños