Rasual Butler was always grateful for his short stay in San Antonio, saying so every day.
Although Butler knew he wouldn’t have a long season with the Spurs, the former La Salle University star gave it his best, and even coach Gregg Popovich appreciated it.
“You simply observe how someone moves,” Popovich remarked in 2016. “The admiration they receive from their colleagues. How they continue to be active. their behavior. You can tell who is a team player and who isn’t fairly quickly.
Early on Wednesday morning, in Studio City, California, a single-car tragedy claimed the lives of the 13-year NBA forward and his spouse, Leah LaBelle.
Butler had 38 years old.
After being chosen with the 53rd choice by the Miami Heat in the 2002 NBA Draft, Butler spent 13 seasons as a player for eight different teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Spurs.
In 809 regular season games, Butler averaged 7.9 points and 2.4 rebounds throughout his career.
Throughout the 2015–16 season, Butler averaged 2.7 points per game in 46 games. He was waived by the Spurs in March 2016.
The news of Butler’s passing shocked the NBA on Wednesday. Players from all over the league paid tribute to Butler for his character off the court as well as his contributions on the court. Butler was known for being a terrific teammate.
“It was just a really positive vibe that people were drawn to,” Spurs guard Danny Green texted the Express-News.
Jonathon Simmons, a guard for the Orlando Magic and a former Spur, was added to the Express-News. “Just an all-around positive guy!” Constantly sharing experiences, love, and knowledge.
LaMarcus Aldridge of the Spurs tweeted, “Devastated to hear about the passing of my former teammate, Rasual, & his wife.” “My sympathies and thoughts are with their families during this trying time. Rasual was a fantastic teammate and a truly wonderful individual.
Last summer, Butler played in the 3-on-3 BIG3 basketball league while keeping his NBA career on hold. Prior to being dealt to the Power, Butler was a player with the Ball Hogs.
The Philadelphia native attended La Salle from 1998 to 2002, where she finished with 2,125 points, fourth on the all-time career scoring list. 2008 saw Butler’s induction into the school’s Hall of Athletes.
Butler’s close friend and fellow Philadelphian, former NBA center Marc Jackson, called him a “brother.”
“He was the ideal combination of a person, giving his all on the court and living life to the fullest off it,” Jackson remarked.
Butler switched from wearing No. 45, his most common jersey, to No. 18 when he joined the Spurs.
