Golden State Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski recently shared his bewilderment over Jimmy Butler’s unconventional pre-game ritual, offering fans a rare glimpse into the eccentric mind of the Miami Heat star. Podziemski, who has been making waves in his own right, was taken aback upon witnessing Butler’s peculiar habit of lighting a candle in his locker before every game—regardless of the arena. The young Warriors guard admitted that he had never seen anything like it before and was unsure whether it was a spiritual practice or simply a good-luck charm.
Jimmy Butler is no stranger to unique habits. Over the years, he has cultivated a reputation for being one of the NBA’s most enigmatic personalities. From his love of country music to his fascination with soccer and even his surprising foray into professional tennis aspirations, Butler always seems to march to the beat of his own drum. His latest revelation—his candle-lighting ritual—only adds to the lore surrounding him.
Podziemski first noticed Butler’s routine during a Warriors game in Chicago. “I’ve never seen that before,” he said in an interview. “I don’t know if it’s something spiritual or just a good luck thing, but he does that.” This reaction isn’t surprising, given that most players follow more conventional pre-game routines, such as listening to music, engaging in meditation, or practicing specific warm-up drills.
Butler’s peculiar approach to preparation, however, appears to be working. Since his arrival, the Warriors have posted an impressive 15-2 record, solidifying their standing in the highly competitive Western Conference. Whether the candle-lighting practice directly influences team success is debatable, but there’s no denying that Butler has been instrumental in the Warriors’ recent surge. His current season averages—17.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game—underscore his ability to contribute in multiple ways.
Interestingly, Butler’s candle ritual is not the only strange habit he has exhibited throughout his career. He once shocked fans and teammates alike by arriving at the Heat’s training camp at 3:30 a.m., setting an almost absurd standard of work ethic. During the 2020 NBA Bubble, he turned his hotel room into a coffee shop, selling $20 cups of coffee to fellow players. His self-proclaimed “Big Face Coffee” venture was both a humorous side hustle and a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.
While Butler hasn’t explicitly explained the deeper meaning behind his candle-lighting tradition, it wouldn’t be surprising if it ties into his relentless focus on mental preparation. The NBA season is a grueling marathon, and many players find solace in routines that center them before games. Whether it’s a superstition, a form of meditation, or simply a way to set the mood, Butler’s ritual reflects his deep commitment to his craft.
For Podziemski and other young players, Butler serves as a fascinating example of how individuality and unorthodox habits can coexist with elite-level performance. While most players stick to tried-and-true methods, Butler continues to carve his own path, proving that sometimes, being different is exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level.