“His actions at the Sports Festival were born of his deep-seeded convictions. He’s trying harder than anyone in his pursuit to become the top hero. If the villains think they have a chance with him, then they are grossly mistaken I can guarantee you that much.” -Eraserhead
This is from Episode 9 of My Hero Academia’s third season. At this point, Bakugo has been kidnapped by the League of Villains, who believe they can turn him villain because of his passionate but angry outbursts in the previous seasons, specifically from when he gets upset after taking first place in the Sports Festival. He wins, but in his mind only because of a technicality. His opponent in the finals refused to use the full extent of his powers to fight him, and he’s furious he didn’t get to face him at this best.
In large part because it surprised me and subverted my expectations. For me, at least, I had mostly assumed that the buildup between Deku and Bakugo could lead to Bakugo’s villainous turn. Instead, after being given a public statement of faith from his teacher at the press conference, it only strengthens his resolve to become the number one hero. Not only do his teachers understand his motivations, but they understand that, at the end of the day, his quirks are what helps drive him to become one of the best.
And we have none other than Jimmy Butler, one of the most passionate players in all of the NBA with a legendary story that came about from a practice in Timberwolves that’s been making the rounds again the last few weeks.
“I’m so passionate and I love the game, and I don’t do it for any other reason except to compete and go up against the best to try to prove that I can hang.” -Jimmy Butler
Not only for his time with the Timberwolves, but also for an incident after being traded to the Miami Heat and for being disrespectful in the middle of a playoff game. For better or worse, when you have a few incidents and the label gets attached, that label can become hard to shake off.
Hardly, but nobody is. He is, however, a seemingly better player in the playoffs than he is in the regular season, something few players in the NBA manage to accomplish.
Can he be a little too passionate? Absolutely. And, frankly, he has good reason to be. He’s always had the deck stacked against him, ever since childhood. But, because of faith, not only from himself but from his loved ones around him, here he is. Part of an underdog 8th seed about to compete in another NBA Finals?
Anything is possible, but they’re facing an incredibly uphill battle. Not only are the Nuggets a great and well-coached team, but Jokic is a transcendent athlete. I think the Nuggets might be too difficult for the Heat to overcome.
Never. People like Jimmy Butler are built for moments like this, and his teammates and the Miami Heat have a proven track record of being built for just the same thing. He knows what he’s here to do. The only question now is, facing the best of the best, can he manage to do it?