CHICAGO — Jimmy Butler has performed 5 video games up to now seven weeks, hasn’t practiced with the Warriors and wasn’t even permitted to take part in Saturday morning’s shootaround, however he’s set to debut with none limits on his work load.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr mentioned earlier than the Warriors’ Saturday night time recreation on the United Middle that Butler, the latest Warrior, isn’t on any minutes restriction. Though three suspensions from the Warmth for a sample of conduct detrimental to the group sidelined him for a lot of the previous two months, Butler stored himself in recreation form and can go full pace forward.
“I know the last few weeks he hasn’t played a bunch, but he’ll be fine,” Kerr mentioned.
Butler, 35, debuted as a Warrior in opposition to the Bulls — one other one in all his former groups. He has been within the fold for the previous two days after the Feb. 6 deadline commerce that despatched out a protected 2025 first spherical decide, Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters III and Dennis Schroder.
The commerce — and Butler’s ensuing contract — was the Warriors choosing a path. It turns the final 31 video games of the season right into a dash to the playoffs.
It begins Saturday.
“What I’ve learned is timing is everything in this league,” Kerr mentioned. “I think we’re getting Jimmy at the right time. His time in Miami expired. It ran out. You could feel it. They felt it, he felt it. So, we’re getting him at a time that’s probably healthy for us and healthy for Jimmy.”
Butler wasn’t allowed to shoot round with the group Saturday morning as a result of different gamers concerned within the transaction hadn’t but handed their physicals. That logistical hurdle received cleared, paving the best way for Butler’s debut.
The Warriors traditionally don’t apply a lot in any respect, so there shall be an adjustment interval as Butler learns Golden State’s terminology and set performs. He sat down with Kerr to undergo some out of bounds performs and pet actions. Kerr mentioned they’ll simplify a few of what they run with Butler on the court docket and he’s assured that the ahead’s spectacular basketball I.Q. will assist easy the transition.
Kerr picked Butler’s mind and in contrast him to Andre Iguodala in the best way he sees the sport.
Butler will play with Steph Curry and particularly within the minutes Curry sits, initiating the offense. He offers the Warriors a paint and foul-drawing dynamic they’ve lacked all season, however particularly as Jonathan Kuminga has been sidelined by a sprained ankle (Kuminga is ready to be re-evaluated Monday).
Kerr has looked for lineup configurations that work all season, and that shall be no totally different with Butler. Discovering sufficient taking pictures, particularly from the two-guard place and probably at middle, shall be key.
The Warriors count on Butler to be dedicated and motivated after a roller-coaster first half in Miami. There’s going to be trial and error, however they don’t have time for anything.
“Everything is timing,” Kerr mentioned. “When you get guys, where are they, their circumstances? Where are you and yours as an organization? That has to factor in, and I think the timing is perfect for us and for Jimmy. We need each other. I think it’s going to be a great setup and we’re excited.”
Podziemski chosen as Rising Stars substitute
Brandin Podziemski was named a Rising Star, changing injured Thunder guard Cason Wallace. Though Steph Curry is Golden State’s lone All-Star, the Warriors have a franchise report eight gamers taking part within the festivities subsequent week.
Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Pat Spencer are enjoying within the Rising Stars recreation. Quinten Put up is a G League is within the G League Showcase. Draymond Inexperienced and Moses Moody are tag-teaming the talents problem and Buddy Hield is taking pictures within the 3-point contest.
Moreover, Warriors luminaries Chris Mullin, Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Jason Richardson are both teaching or judging the occasions.
Initially Printed: February 8, 2025 at 4:01 PM PST
