Jimmy Butler might not suit up for his Warriors debut just yet. After rolling his ankle a few days ago, the six-time All-Star has missed back-to-back practices, and head coach Steve Kerr says he’s a “question mark” for Golden State’s preseason opener.
“Butler did not practice yesterday or today after rolling his ankle a few days ago,” reported Dalton Johnson on Saturday. “Steve Kerr calls him a ‘question mark’ to play in tomorrow’s preseason opener. Trayce Jackson-Davis’ right thumb is taped and he’s also questionable. TJD says he’s fine, though.”
As the regular season approaches, teams across the league are gearing up for a title run but some players have been more involved than others. LeBron James, for example, is being kept out of preseason action and now Jimmy Butler might be following the same track.
The six-time All-Star rolled his ankle on Thursday and has missed the last two team practices. While the Dubs have yet to play in the preseason, their first game is tomorrow, at home, against the Lakers and it would have been a great opportunity to see how everyone plays together. Unfortunately, Butler may not be available as he continues to recover. He’s currently listed as “questionable” with a final decision not expected until right before tip-off.
It’s a relatively minor injury that shouldn’t keep Butler out for long, but it’s a bad omen that hints at a larger durability problem. Butler already has an extensive injury history but at 36 years old, it’s only going to get harder for him to stay on the court. Last season, he only played 55 games with averages of 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game on 50.4% shooting.
Since it’s only preseason, this injury shouldn’t hurt the Warriors too much, but any setback is unacceptable for a team under so much pressure to win. In what is the final stage of Curry’s career, Golden State is desperate to succeed and give him the ending he deserves. Without Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, the only hope of contention is a healthy roster with Curry, Green, and Butler leading the way.
By all accounts, Butler’s arrival has changed things for the Warriors and, for the first time since 2022, they are confident about where they stand in the NBA title picture. Besides experience and shot-making, he brings a level of leadership and toughness that cannot be matched. Plus, his expertise on the wing makes the Warriors a much more versatile defensive team.
As the oldest team in the league, some fans have already dismissed the Warriors from title contention but they are on a mission to prove that their run of success is not over yet. Only time will tell how they hold up against the NBA elite but, at the very least, they’ll need everyone healthy and connected to have a chance.
For now, it doesn’t sound like a major setback, but it’s a reminder of how fragile this Warriors season could be. With so much riding on an aging core, every injury feels heavier. If Golden State can stay healthy, they have the leadership and experience to compete with anyone. But if guys like Butler or Curry start to miss time early, it could derail their rhythm before the real season even begins.
