The 13-year NBA vet sat down with The Cauldron to share his reflections upon where he’s been, and where he hopes his Detroit Pistons are going.
Caron Butler has had an eventful year. First, in late February, the Racine, Wisconsin, product was waived by his hometown Milwaukee Bucks — freeing him up to sign days later with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he enjoyed a long playoff run that ultimately fell short. Now, after inking a two-year deal with the Detroit Pistons in free agency this past summer, Butler is reunited with head coach Stan Van Gundy — the man who coached him during his early years in the league with the Miami Heat.
Butler sat down with The Cauldron to discuss, among other things, whether he thinks Detroit is ready to make a splash in the Eastern Conference this year, and share his thoughts and reflections after 13 seasons in the NBA.
So, what attracted you to Detroit — why sign here?
Numerous things, but the young nucleus of talent and coach Van Gundy were first and foremost. This is my second go around with him, so just understanding his philosophy and his style of play, and knowing what he wants — he’s going to bring a winning culture here. I thought it’d be great.
Honestly, where do you think this team can go this season?
We can win some games. I don’t want to cap us off by saying that we can go to the playoffs or anything like that but I know we can win a lot of games and if we remain consistent and keep the same disposition night in and night out, it will be a fun and successful season.
What have you seen from Kyle Singler and Cartier Martin?
I’ve seen a lot. They’re working relentlessly on their games. The challenge for Kyle was to push himself on both ends of the court, and he’s accepted the challenge. He’s getting better on a game-to-game basis. We need him to stay encouraged and confident — he can be a huge boost for us this year.
The same goes for Cartier. Being able to step up your game when needed is important over a long season — it’s a marathon. You have to be ready at all times to fill those voids if somebody goes down. We have needed him as a shotmaker, and so far, so good. He’s been up to the challenge.
How has your veteran leadership improved as the years have passed?
I’ve been around long enough to be able to see things [on the court] before they happen, so I am in a position to encourage the younger guys. I just want to be as influential as I can. I can still play at a high level, but this is what’s required from me at this time. It’s about positive as possible, lending my experience, and pushing my teammates to achieve our goal: winning games.
This is your second go-around with Stan Van Gundy. What did you learn from him you were in Miami?
I learned how to be a professional, about consistency and having the same disposition night in and night out. I learned the importance about playing together, sacrificing for your teammate. He impressed upon me that I needed to keep my body right if I wanted to extend my playing career. These are things we’re instilling in these [younger] guys so that they are with us for years to come.
What about funny stories about SVG, though? Don’t hold back, is he as much of a yeller as they say he is?
Yeah, definitely. (laughs) For the most part, that’s what guys need. Guys in this league are always being told how good we are, but sometimes you need someone that is going to get in your face and push you to the extreme. That’s exactly what coach Van Gundy is going to do. My reality check happened when I was first drafted by Miami. He was on me ALL the time. Even over the summer — that was supposed to be my time — he was STILL on me, pushing me relentlessly. He made me into the professional that I am today.
What about Pat Riley? What did you take from him?
I always use the word “disposition.” That’s from him; he always says to keep the same disposition night in and night out. It’s about your approach and attitude — always treating it as if this game could be your last. I’ve had numerous injuries in my career, but I’ve been able to ensure because of my consistent approach. In the face of adversity, always remain consistent — I learned from the Heat organization, Pat Riley and the guys I played with back then.
Should players play fewer games?
I mean, the NBA is extremely long, but it’s our job and whatever happens, we’re going to roll with it. Personally, I think you’d see more maximum effort from players if we weren’t so burnt out by the end of the year. It would probably be a better product with better performance overall. I still think think one of our best seasons was the lockout-shortened year — it was 66 games, I think. Other than the back-to-back-to-backs, that season was kind of smooth sailing.
What do you think about the new TV deal?
It’s a credit to the league having such a great product. Our guys are really working on their craft, and the game is really continuing to grow and get better. More money is being made and the younger guys, the guys that are coming in, are going to get paid even better now. Ultimately, when you take care of the product, and players and teams produce at a high level, the revenue will be strong.
Do you still chew straws?
Yeah, of course.
How did you feel when the league tried to prevent you from chewing straws?
I was pretty upset, it’s something that’s really my thing. Everybody has a thing. LeBron tosses chalk in the air. KD and Michael Jordan used to clap chalk at the scoreboard. My thing was, I chewed straws. In the end, Mark Cuban got involved and we came to an understanding. I just didn’t see it as big deal, but the league wanted to prevent me from doing it.
How did that ritual originate?
My grandfather always worked or walked around the cotton field with a toothpick in his mouth. I guess his habit kind of trickled down to me. I always kept a straw in my mouth as a kid, it just carried over to the court.
Do you still drink Mountain Dew?
Occasionally, not like I used to. I’m really trying to stay in shape and keep my body right — which means staying off the sugar. I used to drink a liter before games and I didn’t know it was a problem until I got to the NBA. One of my teammates said, ‘You drink a WHOLE mountain dew before tipoff?’ I said, ‘Yeah, don’t everybody?’
It was a problem.
What was it like playing with Alonzo Mourning, Eddie Jones and Brian Grant?
It was one of the best experiences of my life. Eddie Jones took care of me and Brian Grant gave me advice that I didn’t even understand back then. He would tell me to turn on CNN to find out what’s going on in the world. Being an inner city kid, I didn’t know much about anything back then, I was never taught those things. I had never had role models in my life like that — they did a great job.
Was it hard to leave Milwaukee for OKC last season?
It was extremely hard, but it was refreshing to go to a situation where the culture of winning was set. I didn’t have to do anything, but just be myself and adapt to the team’s principles and tendencies.
How did you feel when you saw your former teammate Kevin Durant go down with an injury?
I was extremely sad, I reached out to him shortly after I heard about it. Though it’s probably only a month or two, we’re all being cheated out of greatness. I’m a fan of the game, too, and as a competitor, I want to see him on the court as much as possible. It’s the same thing with Kobe — he’s living history. Hopefully KD will get back as soon as possible.
Speaking of Durant, his speech after winning the MVP was probably one of the best moments of the year. How did you feel about it? Were you shocked?
I really was. Me and Derek Fisher were with him at the OKC training facility and we were like, “What you going to say, Man?” Most guys would’ve just talked about themselves and how great they are, but we knew Kevin would never do that. We figured he was going to be honest and let it come from the heart, and that’s exactly what he did.
That speech was timeless, priceless, one of the best ever.
As his teammate, did you see Derek Fisher becoming a head coach?
I know he can be an asset with his basketball knowledge. First, he’s just a great person, so that will help him become a great coach. And he’s real. Guys respect that.
What are you most excited for this season individually?
I know my role, it’s to be a good teammate, and help our younger guys develop and be better by sharing my experiences. There are no shortcuts to success, but with everything that I have seen in this league, I can help my little brothers with the process.