Toronto Raptors mourn the death of Rasual Butler
By Curtis Panke
It was announced on Wednesday that former Toronto Raptors player Rasual Butler and his wife Leah LaBelle died in a car crash, bringing on reactions from ex teammates and the rest of the NBA community.
The Toronto Raptors are in a state of mourning following the death of former guard/forward Rasual Butler and his wife Leah Labelle in a car crash on Wednesday. Butler was 38.
We are deeply saddened at the passing of former Toronto Raptor Rasual Butler. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/zoEzcVBHaW
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 31, 2018
Butler appeared in 34 games for the Raptors during the 2011-2012 season, where he played off the bench averaging 13.3 minutes, 3.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per contest.
While his stint in Toronto was brief, he still managed to have a lasting impact on members of the current Raptors roster.
For Kyle Lowry, the death of Butler brought back memories of watching Butler play at La Salle University in his hometown of Philadelphia through a series of tweets and a post on Instagram.
You gotta be kidding me right now....
— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) January 31, 2018
This is a sad day man!!! R.i.p sual bop!!
True legend in my eyes !!! Damn I’m really hurt right now... damn man!!
I used to go and watch lasalle games sit at the top row of gola arena just to watch him play man!! Like this is wild to me!!
— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) January 31, 2018
DeMar DeRozan, who was in his third season with the Toronto Raptors when Butler joined the team, also offered his condolences on Twitter.
This one hurts. Lost a good dude. Learn a lot from a humble individual. Rest easy to you and your wife! #RasualButler
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) January 31, 2018
Raptors president and general manager Masai Ujiri and head coach Dwane Casey each provided statements on Butler’s death through the team’s Twitter account.
Ujiri recounted his memories of Butler when they worked together through the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Program. Casey shared memories of Butler being on the team when he first became head coach in 2012.
A statement from Masai Ujiri & Dwane Casey on the passing of Rasual Butler: pic.twitter.com/qaG1dy1xql
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 31, 2018
Butler was selected in the second round of the 2002 NBA draft by Miami and played for four seasons with the Heat. He also spent time playing for the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves. He last played for the Timberwolves in 2016.
After playing in the NBA for 13 seasons with nine different teams, news of Butler’s death spread quickly across the NBA.
The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle.
— NBA (@NBA) January 31, 2018
A pro's pro, Rasual enjoyed a long, successful career and was widely respected by his peers and coaches. We grieve with their loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/zNH93MVvpM
The NBPA family is deeply saddened by the passing of our brother, Rasual Butler. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Butler family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/dNgGGmIpuq
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) January 31, 2018
Rest In Peace my brother 🙏🏾#RasualButler
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 31, 2018
The basketball world lost a good one today. R.I.P. to Rasual Butler, one of the realest people I ever played with. The world is going to miss your presence.
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) January 31, 2018
Damn this one hurts! RIP Rasual Butler & his wife Leah. Sounds so cliche, but Rasual was really one of the good ones!!
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 31, 2018
RIP Philly legend Rasual Butler. Praying for his family🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) January 31, 2018
Saddened by the news and the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Talk about a great dude and family man. I know he had many stops during his 13 year NBA journey, but he was beloved becasue of his work ethic in Indiana. New guardian Angels..
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) January 31, 2018
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Do you have any memories from Butler’s time with the Raptors or in the NBA generally? Feel free to share your thoughts and condolences in the comments section below.