John Butler Jr Bio
John Erik Butler Jr. (born December 4, 2002) is an American professional basketball player for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League. Standing 7 feet 0 inches tall and listed at 190 pounds, he plays the power forward and center positions. He previously played college basketball for the Florida State Seminoles before beginning his professional career in 2022. Known for his length and shot-blocking ability, Butler has built his early career across multiple NBA G League affiliates.
Butler was a highly regarded high school prospect in South Carolina before moving to the national stage. He went undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft but quickly found opportunities on two-way contracts. His career has carried him through the Portland Trail Blazers organization, the Stockton Kings, the Capital City Go-Go, and now the Wisconsin Herd.
Early Life and Background
John Erik Butler Jr. was born on December 4, 2002, in Greenville, South Carolina. He grew up in a basketball family in the Upstate region of South Carolina. His father, John Butler Sr., serves as the head basketball coach at Christ Church Episcopal School, where Butler would later star. His mother, Casie, played college basketball for the University of South Carolina, giving the family a deep connection to the sport.
Butler attended Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, where he was coached by his father during his high school years. He was also teammates with his younger brother, Jordan, creating a family atmosphere within the program. The Greenville area shaped his early development as a player and gave him the foundation to compete at higher levels.
Path to Basketball
At Christ Church Episcopal, Butler became one of the most dominant high school players in South Carolina. As a senior, he averaged 20.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He earned Upstate Player of the Year honors from The Greenville News and was named Class 2A Player of the Year while leading his team to a state championship.
Butler was rated as a four-star recruit and drew attention from several major college programs. He ultimately chose to play college basketball at Florida State, turning down offers from Georgia Tech, Alabama, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest. His combination of size, mobility, and shot-blocking skill made him one of the more intriguing frontcourt prospects in his class.
John Butler Jr Career
College Career (2021–2022)
Butler joined the Florida State Seminoles for the 2021–2022 season and quickly made his presence felt in the frontcourt. On March 2, 2022, he recorded a career-high 16 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks in a 74–70 win against Notre Dame, one of the most impressive individual performances of his freshman year. His shot-blocking and perimeter shooting gave Florida State a unique dimension at the position.
Across his lone college season, Butler averaged 5.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 39.3 percent from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor at 7 feet tall drew interest from NBA scouts. Following the season, he declared for the 2022 NBA draft and opted to forgo his remaining college eligibility.
NBA and NBA G League Career (2022–Present)
Portland Trail Blazers Era (2022–2023)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Butler joined the New Orleans Pelicans for NBA Summer League play. He was briefly signed to a two-way contract by the Pelicans before being waived. On October 20, 2022, he signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, beginning his official NBA-affiliated career. He spent time developing within the organization before being assigned to the Stockton Kings on February 26, 2023, gaining valuable G League experience.
Capital City Go-Go Era (2023–2025)
On July 6, 2023, Butler signed another two-way contract with the Trail Blazers, but was later waived in October. He then signed a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards on October 23, 2023, and was assigned to the Capital City Go-Go, Washington’s NBA G League affiliate. He appeared in nine games with the Go-Go before being waived in December 2023, only to rejoin the team days later. He continued his development in the Wizards system and rejoined the Go-Go again in October 2024, working on his game in the G League through early 2025.
Wisconsin Herd Era (2025–Present)
On March 6, 2025, Butler was traded to the Wisconsin Herd in exchange for the returning rights of Darryl Morsell, a 2026 G League Draft first-round pick, and a second-round pick. The move gave him a fresh opportunity within a new franchise. On November 7, 2025, Butler was named to the Wisconsin Herd opening night roster, cementing his place on the team heading into the new campaign.
Driving Style and Strengths
Butler is a modern frontcourt prospect whose game is built around his 7-foot frame, length, and shooting touch. He has shown the ability to space the floor from beyond the arc, which is rare for a player of his size, while also providing rim protection with his shot-blocking instincts. His combination of size and perimeter skill gives him intriguing upside as he continues to develop physically and refine his game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most memorable moments of Butler’s early career is his career-high 16-point, eight-rebound, four-block performance against Notre Dame during his freshman year at Florida State. He has also earned state-level recognition, including the South Carolina Class 2A Player of the Year award and a state championship at Christ Church Episcopal.
John Butler Jr Career Highlights
Across his time in the NBA G League, Butler has appeared for multiple affiliates, including the Stockton Kings, the Capital City Go-Go, and now the Wisconsin Herd. He has also held two-way contracts with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Washington Wizards, giving him exposure at the NBA level. His career continues to develop as he works to earn a more permanent NBA roster spot.
Other Wins & Performances
Butler captured a South Carolina state championship at Christ Church Episcopal School and earned Class 2A Player of the Year honors for his senior season. He also posted a standout freshman campaign at Florida State, highlighted by his career-best performance against Notre Dame. These achievements established him as a player to watch heading into the professional ranks.
John Butler Jr Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Butler comes from a basketball-driven family that has shaped his path in the sport. His father, John Butler Sr., is the head basketball coach at Christ Church Episcopal School, where he both coached and mentored his son. His younger brother, Jordan, also played on the same high school team. His mother, Casie, played college basketball for the University of South Carolina, reinforcing the family’s deep ties to the game.
Personal Life
Butler grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and continues to maintain strong family connections through the sport of basketball. His family has been closely involved in his development as a player, with his father guiding him as a coach and his brother sharing the court with him in high school.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Butler after his March 2025 trade to the Wisconsin Herd. He was named to the team’s opening night roster on November 7, 2025, signaling an important role within the franchise. The Herd provide him with a fresh environment to showcase the growth he has made through his time with the Trail Blazers, Wizards, and Go-Go organizations.
Throughout 2025, Butler has continued to focus on developing his perimeter shooting and defensive instincts, two areas that have defined his game since college. His ability to play both power forward and center gives the Herd flexibility in their frontcourt rotations. With consistent minutes in the G League, he has a clear path to continue building toward a sustained NBA opportunity.
Looking ahead, Butler’s 2025 outlook centers on consistency, physical development, and proving he can be a two-way contributor. His length, shooting touch, and shot-blocking remain his most marketable traits. If he can string together strong performances in Wisconsin, another NBA call-up remains a realistic possibility in the seasons to come.