When the news came that Golden State was trading for Jimmy Butler, many fans and critics were skeptical about what he would bring to the team.
But in a matter of weeks, he has completely transformed the way they play. Jimmy Butler, along with Draymond Green, are two of the smartest minds in the NBA, both with insane basketball IQ. Butler has also provided a genuine second option behind Curry, allowing Curry to play second fiddle in some scenarios. Butler can also draw defenders away from Curry, giving him the opportunity to go one-on-one with defenders, instead of facing double teams as he did earlier in the season. Another vital contribution is Butler’s ability to get to the free-throw line, which not only gives the Warriors a chance to rest but also allows them to get set defensively. They are a top-5 defense when not facing a fast break.
Butler is averaging 17.2 PTS, 6.1 AST, and 5.9 REB per game. Since joining the Warriors, they have gone 15-2. He has also extended his contract for an additional two seasons, meaning he is enjoying his time playing with this championship-caliber team. They also have one of the easiest sets of fixtures to end the year, which should help them secure a playoff spot without going through the play-in series, where anything can happen. A happy and firing Jimmy Butler in the postseason, alongside the firepower of Steph Curry, points to the Golden State Warriors making some serious noise — and most teams would not want to face them.
Let’s not forget about the role players who have stepped up since Butler’s arrival, providing sparks both on and off the bench. A winner like Butler is exactly what this team needed, even though they gave up a vital piece from their last championship run in Andrew Wiggins. Moses Moody has moved into the starting lineup and appears to have taken the next step as an NBA player. Podziemski returned from injury today and seems to have rediscovered his shooting stroke, which is another promising sign.
If this team can stay healthy and continue on their current trajectory, Steph Curry could earn his fifth ring, and Jimmy Butler could finally secure his first, something he’s come so close to achieving numerous times in his career.
