DETROIT (Nov. 25, 2014) – Detroit Pistons forward Caron Butler returns to his home-state tonight to take on the Milwaukee Bucks, which also gives him a chance to see family and friends just days before the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Being with family is the most important thing this time of year,” said Butler. “Even though we’re in the season and that’s the main focus, spending time with my family brings me a lot of joy.”
Butler and his wife, Andrea, and their three young daughters are especially keen on giving back during the holiday season, as Butler and his family have participated in Turkey Giveaways and Toy Drives throughout his career.
“As professional athletes, we are role models and pillars in our community. People relate to us and we need to be responsible and give back when we can,” said Butler. “Interacting with people is the best thing we can do, there’s no feeling like seeing that joy on someone else’s face. It means so much to me because I came from humble beginnings.”
Butler grew up in the inner city of Racine, Wisconsin and has become a role model to those in the area proving that no matter the circumstances you can turn your life around and be a positive influence. Every accomplishment Butler achieves further proves that point, whether it is his two NBA All-Star appearances, his NBA championship or most recently his surpassing the 12,000-point mark in his NBA career.
Butler takes none of this for granted.
“It’s humbling to see how many lives we can change if we take a break from ourselves and focus on others,” said Butler. “I’m just so grateful to be healthy and have my family here and still be doing what I love, playing the game of basketball.”