Locker Room Talk: Caron Butler
Written by Greg Harris
Taking a short hiatus and getting right back into the mix, we have solidified ourselves to be a publication that also focuses on the artistry of sports and what comes along with it. In this fashion of doing just that, Locker Room Talk is back once again and we're here one of the most promiment figures to dribble a basketball in the NBA in the past few years. That being Caron Butler, Tuffjuice enthusiast, NBA Champion, and advocating for the further advancement of basketball.
For those who aren't familiar with the former NBA All-Star, Caron Butler had a storied career at the historic University of Connecticut and this led him to become one of the most versatile yet definable players in the NBA during the era of the early 2000s to the earlier parts of this decade. During his tenure in the league, he was one of the dominant forces on the Washington Wizards, playing alongside Gilbert Arenas, and Antwan Jamison. After he left there, he was bouncing around different teams, in the process of doing that he played a pivotal role into the Dallas Mavericks run to getting their first championship in franchise history. After his retirement, he has remained a constant advocate for basketball running different camps, being an analyst, and providing different formats of funderaising.
We recently had the chance to speak to Mr. Butler about his upbringing, playing at UCONN, his favorite moments in the NBA, and more.
Read below.
How’s Your Modern Life
I’m really a chill person. Faith family work
What are three things you have to do when you first wake up?
Turn on CNN, brave myself because one of our kids will dive on me, and check my calendar
How was your upbringing in Racine, Wisconsin?
It was extremely tough, I still don’t know how we made it with all that was going on.
Knowing you had to go through various trials and tribulations while in Wisconsin, how did you feel like Maine Central Institute help you get to the next level of playing college basketball?
One of the best things to ever happen to me because it was when I was replaced out of my environment and it truly changed my way of thinking
Coming into a winning program like UCONN, how was it like to play under Jim Calhoun and what did you learn from him while being in college?
How to be a professional on and off the court,
Along with being one of the greatest college coaches, you’ve also played alongside some bright NBA stars such as Ben Gordon, Emeka Okafor, and others?
Truly a great experience, Magic carpet ride
Being in college during the two years you played, the infrastructure of the NBA and players leaving early was different but what inspired you to make that leap into the league at a young age?
I felt I was ready, grateful on all levels I knew it was my time
Another thing to take into thought as well is the class of players you came in the league which featured Yao Ming, Nene, Udonis Haslem, Amar’e Stoudemire, Dajuan Wagner, and more. How do you feel like the players ( including yourself ) in the 2002 NBA Draft have made their impact during their years of playing?
We all have had amazing careers, so blessed and happy to be associated with such a great class
Throughout your streaks in the league, your run with the Washington Wizards was one to remember. How did you feel like you’ve played a role in the modern culture of DC and their basketball scene in the city?
The DMV was my second home that city embraced me like no other. I had my best individual years there in the game.
During the years you were with the Wizards, how would you describe your relationship with Gilbert Arenas on and off the court?
Business, basketball, we played extremely well together.
Aside from playing there for quite some time, you’ve also became a vital X-Factor for teams like the Clippers, Thunder, Bucks, and more. How important do you feel as a player to be as versatile as you can when given different opportunities?
Because of my versatility, I could be plugged anywhere
When it comes to the longevity of players’ careers in the league, you had one that was quite extensive but that’s not necessarily the case of other players. Knowing basketball isn’t forever, how important is it for players to figure out their plans for when they retire while playing?
The roar of the crowd is not for you it’s for what you can do and soon as you done they’ll be cheering for someone else. Have a plan
Since your retirement, you’ve been quite active in the basketball community. What drives you to stay supportive to the game and what it’ll offer in the future?
Basketball changed/saved my life
How do you feel about the future of basketball when it comes to gameplay, the age of players, and various regulations that keep evolving?
It’s growing amazingly well.
When it comes to the stretch of your career, what are three moments you enjoy the most?
Draft
AllStar
Champion
What are three goals you have for this year?
I stay goal oriented
Movie TuffJuice
Continue to excel
When it’s all said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
A good human being who valued people not things and someone who’s always trying to educate and inspire.