Jimmy Butler has made an immediate impact on the Golden State Warriors, but not in the way most people expected. Instead of taking over games with high-scoring performances, Jimmy Butler has prioritized making the right play over always being aggressive. His selfless approach has helped elevate the Warriors, complementing Stephen Curry and allowing the team to operate with more balance.
After Golden State’s latest win, Butler spoke about how he views his role on the team. When asked about his chemistry with Curry, he acknowledged the gravity the superstar holds on the court and how it opens up opportunities for others.
“Yeah. He draws so much attention as everybody in the world, let alone this league, knows and this team. So it’s all about using that to our advantage. When he’s on the perimeter, somebody, anybody, everybody, you gotta go to the bank because that’s gonna be the most vital thing.”
“You’re always gonna overact to him when he has the ball, even when he doesn’t have the ball. So we gotta start learning what to do if he does not get the ball.”
This mindset has been evident in Butler’s play since arriving at Golden State. He hasn’t tried to dominate the ball but instead has focused on fitting in, making timely plays, and picking his spots wisely.
This approach has led to a resurgence for the Warriors, who have gone 9-1 in games Butler has played since the trade, and helped the team climb to the 6th spot in the West with a 34-28 record.
While Butler isn’t putting up gaudy numbers, his impact on winning is undeniable. He’s averaging 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game since joining the Warriors, and the team has outscored opponents by 13 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor.
His influence extends beyond the box score—he’s helping stabilize Golden State’s offense, improving their shot selection, and keeping the ball moving.
What makes Butler so effective is his ability to read the game. He understands that just because a play is drawn up for him doesn’t mean he has to take the shot.
“Everybody is always looking for me to be aggressive. I can’t help but to make the right play time and time and time again. I hope that is contagious. Just because the play is for you does not mean that’s your shot. So that’s what we’re trying to point out.”
This mindset has led to more efficiency in the Warriors’ offense. Before Butler’s arrival, Golden State relied heavily on Curry, often struggling when he sat. Now, the Warriors have another creator who can generate good looks, whether for himself or his teammates.
Butler has also provided a much-needed increase in rim pressure, leading the team with 10.9 drives per game. This has helped Golden State improve from 26th to 12th in rim attempts per game since the trade.
Beyond offense, Butler has also been a crucial piece on the defensive end. His ability to guard multiple positions has allowed head coach Steve Kerr to experiment with smaller, quicker lineups, featuring Butler alongside Draymond Green and Brandin Podziemski. This has helped the Warriors force more turnovers, as they now rank third in steals and seventh in deflections since Butler joined the team.
The Warriors made the move for Butler because they needed a game-changer. But instead of taking over games with sheer scoring, he has become the glue that holds everything together. His ability to make the right plays at the right time has elevated Golden State into a legitimate playoff contender. If the Warriors make a deep run this season, Butler’s unselfish, high-IQ play will be a major reason why.
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