11 days to go

Posted by alleyhoopster at 2:09 PM WST

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Caron the man



Butler
Miami HEAT forward Caron Butler is only the third rookie to ever start on opening night for a Pat Riley-coached team. On that night, Oct. 31, Butler finished with 16 points, seven boards and three assists. He hasn't looked back.
Butler recently nabbed the got milk? Rookie of the Month award for his work in November. (The 6'7" forward is the first HEAT player to ever win the award.) The 10th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft has started all 20 games for the HEAT, averaging 12.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, a team-leading 1.40 steals and 34.7 minutes.

In two seasons at UConn, Butler scored in double figures in 62 of his 63 games. In his final season, he was named Co-Big East Player of the Year and Big East Tournament MVP. In the NCAA Tournament, he led the Huskies with a 20.3 average and drove them to the Elite Eight, where they were beaten by eventual national champion, Maryland.

Caron Butler talked about last year's tournament, life as an NBA rookie and what he does to get ready for a game when he chatted LIVE on NBA.com on December 12. Check out what the impressive rookie had to say.



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Veronique Verhaert (Belgium): Since you're getting the big money now I was wondering what's the most luxurious item you've bought so far?

Caron Butler: I bought my mom a home.


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Dave ( Olathe): Caron,In your opinion right now,who do you feel as a rookie has the best overall game and will take Rookie of the year.Thanks Get yours

Caron Butler: I haven't had a chance to watch anybody. But I'm a big fan of Drew Gooden, Jason Williams and all the guys that came out of the same class. At this point it's a toss-up.


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Steve (Boston): What present player in the NBA do you look up to the most? What player do you most model your game after?

Caron Butler: I look up to Michael Jordan the most. The guy I model my game after is Paul Pierce. He's a guy I've always watched. He's always attacking the basket. And he's just a great player.


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Jon (racine): from one former ray-town resident to another let me say great job. Can you explain the adjustment from going from two small cities (racine, uconn) to Miami?

Caron Butler: It hasn't been a big adjustment because you gotta let the city adjust to you. So I continue to live my life the same. I go to the gym, play basketball, work out and go home to watch movies.


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Brian (Morristown): How has the transiton of becoming an everyday starter been to you? Also, what are the differences or similarities with the coaching of Pat Riley or Coach Calhoun?

Caron Butler: I think they're basically the same person, with a mask on. They're both great coaches who get the most out of their players. And they're great guys, they care about you on and off the court. You gotta come in night in and night out and perform. You have to play hard and listen to the coaches and you'll be fine.


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The Williams Family, Miami: Being that your career is obviously headed in a positive direction, are you still trying to make other teams pay for passing on you?

Caron Butler: No. I'm very happy where I"m at. Miami's a great situation for me. Of all the places that did pass on me, it doesn't matter because this place is the best for me. I'm not mad at any team or holding a grudge. Really the best way to pay anyone back is to get a "W".


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Adam (London/ Storrs): Caron, congratulations on all your success so far. I don't mean to get off topic but what do you think about UConn's chances this year, and what do you see in the future for Emeka Okafor?

Caron Butler: I think UConn's gonna be a great team this year. Their front line is very athletic. I love their chances to get to the Final Four and anything can happen from there. Okafor is a great talent and you'll be hearing from him soon.


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Stan (chicago): Hey Caron who has been the toughest matchup for you so far and why? Also man I really like your game you should have went first in the draft you have the tools to become a great player.

Caron Butler: Probably Tracy McGrady because of his versatility and explosiveness. He can do so many things. He's one of the most talented players in the league.


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Brandon (Calbasas): Caron, what are the biggest differences between NBA pracitices and games vs. College practices and games?

Caron Butler: I think in college night in and night out you won't have so many great players on the court. In the NBA the practices are longer and more intense. There are so many set offenses and all the guys are so strong and talented at this level. It's a real transition.


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BIG CHIP/Jersey: Who are the other rookies that you think will be stars in the future along with you??

Caron Butler: Everybody in my class. Anyone can be a star from the guys I was drafted with. I'm just hoping for everybody to do well.


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Steven (Gainesville/UF): How do you feel about the fact that LeBron James' high school basketball game will be nationally broadcast tonight on ESPN 2?.....Do you think you'll watch?

Caron Butler: Yeah, I"m going to watch it. It's a good thing. It's good for the game. Who knows what might have happened with us if that had happened when we were in high school. I saw him play when I was in Chicago and he's going to great. More power to him.


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Dan (Chicago): How is Camry and Caron Jr. liking life in miami and how are you enjoying the heat (f)?

Caron Butler: Actually neither of them are down here now, but my daughter loves it down here. She loves the weather but she has to stay up north with her mother. My son's too young. He doesn't know what's going on.


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Jackie (Thunder Bay): Hey Caron, what are some your favorite things to do while you're not on the court?

Caron Butler: I like walking around the mall or just interacting with the community. I love checking out a movie sometimes. Like The Godfather or Scarface. I even like Godfather 3.


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Rob (Wilmington): What was your most memorable moment at Uconn? How did coach Calhoun prepare you for the N.B.A.

Caron Butler: I would have to say winning the Big East championship. We worked so hard and we had the vision at the beginning of the season. We figured if we could do that, we could win it all. That's why we got so far in the tournament. Coach Calhoun is a great coach.


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Will Andrus (raleigh): What up Caron. Great job so far this year. I was just wondering what you do before a game to get pumped, like what music do you listen to? Thanks

Caron Butler: DMX!! Put my DMX and Jay-Z (maybe a little Tupac) on and drink my 20 oz. Mountain Dew and I'm set to go!


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Bill: What's one thing no one knows about you?

Caron Butler: I'm a big Brittney Spears fan. I really am.
Thanks for watching me and supporting me and hopefully I'll give the fans a lot to cheer about in the future. Thanks for logging on to NBA.com and take care.