A popular name in NBA circles, Stanley Remy, has been instrumental in the basketball journeys of players like Dwyane Wade, Andre Drummond, Jeff Green and Udonis Haslem. Known for his no-nonsense approach, the skills trainer stressed balance and footwork as key fundamentals.
Playing basketball during high school, Remy realized he didn’t have what it took to be on the next level. A desire to stay associated with the game, “Remy Workouts,” shifted his focus to behind-the-scenes, which was helping other aspirants get better at their game.
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Given his close association with Keyon Dooling, Remy had built strong connections with Heat players, helping them during the summers. Having trained several big names on the Miami franchise, the skills teacher was particularly impressed with the work ethic and dedication of Jimmy Butler.
Many found the 6’7″ forward’s habit of working out at 3:30 AM a little strange, but Remy had a different take on the matter. “
“Jimmy Butler is a little different. He’s a different character. He’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve been around. He’s one of the strongest minds I’ve ever been around. He’s mentally very tough. I think he likes to be uncomfortable because the game is supposed to be easy, so he likes to train at uncomfortable hours,” said the veteran trainer about “Jimmy Buckets.”
Setting an example for his young teammates
Following a 2019 Eastern Conference Finals exit with the Philadelphia 76ers, courtesy of Kawhi Leonard’s historic Game 7 buzzer-beater, Butler was a man with a mission. Beginning a new chapter in Miami, the 6’7″ forward understood the assignment and responsibilities that came with it, especially with Pat Riley running the show.
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Hence, Butler wasted no time getting down to business. While many would assume the six-time All-Star wanted to make an impression with his 3:30 AM workouts, his skills trainer emphasized how “Jimmy Buckets” was setting a precedent for the locker room.
“He’s not a fake gym rat,” said Remy. “I love the Heat. They started something called the Breakfast Club. They get in there at six in the morning; this is before training camp. They call themselves the Breakfast Club, a couple guys, Tyler Herro, a bunch of guys in the morning. They get there at six, and Jimmy’s walking off the court like, ‘What the hell? You guys are gonna have to call it the Brunch Club because we’re already here,'” he added.Â
A six-year association
In only his first year under Coach Erik Spoelstra, Butler led the Heat to the 2020 NBA Finals in the Orlando Bubble. This was an eye-opener for many, given that the Miami team was never considered a top contender going into the playoffs.
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Losing the championship to the Lakers, Butler had put the league on notice. The following years saw the Marquette product become the go-to player, especially during the playoffs. Making his second Finals appearance, “Jimmy Buckets” led the Heat from a play-in situation to the Finals in 2023.
Sadly, in both his Finals appearances with the Heat, Butler held a 0-2 record. Nevertheless, he had etched his name in franchise history as one of the greats. That said, the 2023 Finals loss marked the beginning of tensions between the veteran forward and GM Pat Riley.
Midway through the 2024-25 season, things turned ugly to the point where Butler openly talked about losing his joy to play. According to reports, the All-NBA player wasn’t pleased with the contract offered to him.
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Forcing his way out, “Jimmy Buckets” faced heavy fines and suspensions for his revolting antics. Ultimately, traded to the Warriors, the ugly break-up between the veteran forward and the Heat overshadowed his achievements with the franchise.