Off the court, NBA player Jimmy Butler, who wears Li-Ning shoes, dressed differently. Over the offseason, the Miami Heat star sported the Blu Scarpa sneakers, a brand created by his friend and fellow shoe entrepreneur Matthew Chevallard.

Butler and Chevallard have been friends without business connections since they met a few years ago. Still, they’re both driven by an entrepreneurial spirit.

During the 2019–20 NBA season in Orlando, Florida’s Disney World CoVID bubble, Butler had the idea for Big Face Coffee in his hotel room. The $20 coffee that Butler sold in the bubble was a huge hit with the social media crowd. Butler launched BigFace Brand, which offers branded apparel and accessories in addition to coffee, on October 1, 2021, International Coffee Day.

In 2005, Chevallard showcased his business spirit by co-founding the luxury men’s shoe company Del Toro. Even after Chevallard departed, the collection was a hit with NBA players and style icons. With his premium mindset, he designed Blu Scarpa, a “perfect arsenal for the modern man” that harkened back to the sportswear and lifestyle trends of the 1980s.

“Good people like Matt always have my backing. Butler made fun of the fact that Chevy knows how much she loves him despite the fact that she often misspells his last name (I’ll just call him Matt) and how much she loves him. I will forever stand by my friends.

Tennis boosted Butler and Chevallard’s relationship recently.

Matt was one of the first to get me into tennis since he knows I’m competitive. He suԀԀenly asked, ‘Yo, Jimmy, do you play tennis?’ Do I play? I asked him. No. Can you defeat me? No.’ I looked at him that way, Butler laughed.

Tennis has always surrounded Chevallard. Inspired by Andre Agassi, whose casual stylish style was second only to his game on the court, Chevallard played throughout his infancy and adolescence. His friend Reilly Opelka, rated No. 38 in the world, revived his love of the sport, which had dwindled.

In recent times, Butler and Chevallard’s connection was strengthened via tennis.

Since Matt is aware of my competitive nature, he was instrumental in getting me started in tennis. He frequently inquired, “Hey Jimmy, are you a tennis player?” Must I participate? “What do you think?” I inquired. No. Strike me down, would you? No.’ Butler made a funny face when he saw my expression.

A life centered on tennis has always been Chevallard’s. During his childhood and teenage years, Chevallard played tennis, drawing inspiration from Andre Agassi, whose effortless cool was second only to his tennis skills. After losing interest, his buddy Reilly Opelka—who is ranked 38th in the world—rekindled his passion for the sport.

“When you watch my social media, it always seems like I’m scoring crazy points and looking ripped and the photographs are beautiful. “If you haven’t seen me play, you have no idea how good or horrible I am.” Butler chuckled.

I am cared for by them. I attribute my success in style and profile to my respectable look. Blu Scarpa, according to Butler, helps her seem good. My biggest concern is not even scoring. If you go too near, I’ll try to pounce on you by hurling the ball over your head while I dance in my Blu Scarpas. “You must play well when you look nice.”

Scarpa La Tennis by Jimmy Butler in Blu

Butler also sports the sneaker when he’s not playing tennis. Chevallard shared an Instagram snapshot of Butler wearing the ensemble when he went to Colombia in September to buy coffee beans for BigFace.

Butler mentioned that when he’s not wearing Li-Ning or his go-to Ugg slippers, he switches to Blu Scarpa.

One pair featured typical gum outsoles and an all-white upper; the other had dark blue uppers and blue bottoms; and a third had two blue soles that were mainly white. The player’s favorite pair was the all-white pair.

Collaborative shoes have only been acquired by Butler thus far. They wouldn’t if Butler got his way.

“I understand that you don’t want me to advise Matt, but I believe these should be mandatory for everyone,” he said.

Chevallard is of the opinion that these sneakers will be released by the firm and Butler.

A lot of people are abusing and misusing the partnership approach. The idea of letting things stew before taking formal action was broached by Jimmy and me, Chevallard said. Cooperation can only be justified with a compelling story. Working together ought to be an ongoing process.

In spite of the lack of cooperation or release, Butler promised to assist his friend’s business in succeeding.

Depending on Matt’s needs, I may assist in the annual release of one, two, or three shoe pairs. Butler only requested comments. I want to express my preferences to him and see whether he can fulfill them. I have faith that he will be enamored with the concept and make an effort to have it implemented. I want him to be famous forever because he’s my son.