(PBA image)
Just watching Barangay Ginebra swing Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals was enough to jog a familiar memory for Tim Cone.
The multi-titled mentor did not hesitate to draw a lofty comparison after Ginebra’s 105-91 come-from-behind win over defending champion San Miguel Beer on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, likening rising wingman Jayson David to none other than Jimmy Butler.
It was a compliment rooted not in numbers alone, but in how David competed.
Down by as many as 16 points early, the Kings leaned on hustle, ball movement, and timely defense to wrest control late. David played a pivotal role in that shift, scoring 12 points overall, with eight coming in the decisive fourth quarter when Ginebra finally broke the game open.
Efficient and impactful, the Lyceum product knocked down 4 of his 6 shots, grabbed three rebounds, swiped three steals, and dished out seven assists as part of Ginebra’s 34-assist performance — a reflection of how seamlessly he fit into the Kings’ attack.
For Cone, the similarities to Butler go beyond highlights.
“I always tell him he reminds me of Jimmy Butler and the kind of game he plays,” Cone said. “He’s wide-bodied, can play bigger than he is, and very versatile.”
Cone’s perspective carries weight. He served as a guest assistant with the Miami Heat during the 2022 NBA Summer League and has a close working relationship with head coach Erik Spoelstra, giving him firsthand insight into Butler’s style and impact.
“So he always reminded me of Jimmy Butler way back when, and now he’s getting the opportunity to show that at this point,” Cone added.
The Ginebra coach was quick to temper expectations, acknowledging that David is still far from the level of Butler — a perennial NBA star now with the Golden State Warriors. But within the context of the local game, the comparison stands.
“Relative to our league, he plays a very similar type of game,” Cone stressed.
As the semifinals intensify, David’s emergence gives Ginebra more than just another scoring option. It gives them an edge built on toughness, versatility, and the kind of winning habits Cone has seen before — from the NBA stage down to the PBA playoffs.
