Jimmy Butler, unlimited Golden State Warrior, is excited to play with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. He’s looking forward to many more seasons together! Since his debut on February 8, he has made a massive impact on the team’s performance. He has turned a lost season into a found one.
Before Butler came aboard to the Warriors, the team was sporting a record of 25-26. After his arrival, they went on to run away with the regular season. They ended the season with a league-best 23-8 record, securing the third seed in an 8-team league. Butler put up even gaudier numbers, reaching 17.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists during this pre-Game stretch. His eye-popping playmaking ability is somewhat to blame for the Warriors’ incredible season turnaround.
Butler’s initial games were not without challenges. In Game 4 of the playoffs, he found himself being racked with health problems. As a product, he was able to generate just nine shots in the half court. After suffering a concussion, he bounced back to drop 17 points in Game 5 vs Minnesota. His team ended up losing 121-110, and he finished the game just 4-for-11 shooting. In addition, he suffered an internal bruise to his coccyx, which made an already difficult performance even more challenging.
Butler admitted having spent time with the Warriors made him feel like a success. He opened, too, on an optimistic note.
“I think it was a success, and now you have to build off of that with a full season hopefully in front of us. I’m excited about it.” – Jimmy Butler
Butler pointed out how happy he is to play off of the ball. Specifically, playing alongside Curry. He recognized the merit in being second to one of the greatest players in basketball history.
“And to come here and know that I’m second to Steph, I think that’s a really good thing, actually… I get to come here and be his sidekick for a couple more years hopefully,” – Jimmy Butler
He too noted the energy and talent on the team, pouring even more optimism into what’s to come.
Draymond Green even admitted that Butler was behind the fracturing of team chemistry. He reinforced that getting someone of Butler’s caliber is the most substantial upgrade they require. While this transition has been very positive and has greatly increased their chances for success moving forward.
“The biggest change that needed to be made was we needed someone like Jimmy Butler,” – Draymond Green
Green is optimistic that this development will provide them a better foundation for next year. Last year they had a tough time recruiting those linchpins.
Stephen Curry hoped that they could keep going as long as they’re all under contract for two more seasons. He stressed the need to look ahead and plan for next season while developing personally during the offseason.
“Our contracts — me, Draymond, Steve, Jimmy — are all two years [more],” – Stephen Curry
Curry emphasized the need for logistical and strategic preparation to the long 82-game season ahead. More than anything, he wants to avoid any late-season hiccups that might put their postseason berth at risk.
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