There are plenty of players who have proven themselves to be great leaders in the NBA regular season. LeBron James with the Lakers, Donovan Mitchell with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and, in the case of the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry, are among the standout examples. However, head coach Steve Kerr has made an intriguing choice for a “new award”, the title of “alpha among alphas” in the league.
When it comes to determining the “alpha among alphas,” there are many factors to consider. But for Kerr, the answer is clear. It’s about a player who excels at motivating his teammates and adapting to the game plan with ease in his new team.
Speaking with 95.7 FM The Game’s Willard and Dibs, Kerr shared his thoughts on Jimmy Butler, the latest addition to the Warriors’ roster, and why he believes Butler deserves the title of “alpha among alphas” in the NBA.
“I think there’s a presence to Jimmy that leads to winning. He’s got a swagger that sets him apart from all the other alphas in the league. I think Jimmy is the alpha among alphas… the guy is set to win games,“ Kerr said.
Kerr’s statement underscored the significance of Butler’s arrival in Golden State. The Warriors had been struggling without another star player, but with Butler in the lineup, the team has looked increasingly dangerous as the season progresses, with rival teams falling to the improved Warriors in each game.
Kerr on Butler’s impact for Curry and Green
Amid the Warriors’ struggles during the regular season, Butler has proven to be a game-changer for the team. His presence has significantly impacted the Warriors’ chemistry, helping to elevate the performances of other stars. Known for his leadership, Butler’s ability to guide the team has led Kerr to describe him as “alpha among alphas.”
“I think Curry and Green needed that. They needed someone like them—someone with that experience. In some ways, they hadn’t had enough of that next to them, and we’ve been spoiled by it in years past. That’s why I said it,“ Kerr remarked.
With the playoffs approaching, Kerr expects Butler’s leadership to continue driving the team forward, bringing out the best in the roster and delivering crucial performances.
Kerr’s take on Butler’s confidence
Kerr’s praise for Butler goes beyond just his impact on the court. The Warriors’ head coach emphasized Butler’s “alpha” mentality, noting that this confidence is a vital asset for the team. Kerr made it clear that he wasn’t placing Butler among the NBA’s all-time greats, but instead highlighting his leadership qualities.
“I’ll tell you this, he feels that way, and that’s hugely important. But we all know the number one guy in history is Michael Jordan—everyone was afraid of him. But now Jimmy is playing at an incredibly high level in this league,” Kerr added.