Jimmy Butler‘s impact on the Golden State Warriors has been profound. Since his arrival, the team has experienced a revitalization in energy, propelling them back into title contention with an impressive winning streak. However, Tim Hardaway believes the seasoned small forward has the potential to play an even more significant role in the development of Jonathan Kuminga.
“Jimmy Butler, I really think is gonna help Kuminga,” Hardaway said in a recent interview with Run It Back. “He gonna tell Kuminga, ‘Stop listening to everybody, play your game.’”
The former Miami Heat guard went on to elaborate on the young forward’s strengths, which he should focus on honing moving forward. “’You’re not a three-point shooter, stop shooting three-pointers,’” Tim predicted will be Butler‘s advice. “’Play your game, get into the midrange, mix it up, play downhill, use your athletic ability.’ And that’s what he’s going to tell him to do.”
Kuminga has been sidelined for an extended period due to a sprained right ankle suffered in early January. Although he remains in the final stages of recovery, his return to the court seems imminent. Given that his performances this season have been less than ideal, Hardaway believes Jonathan needs a shift in mindset. “Sometimes you have to stop listening to coaches and go out there and play your game,” he explained.
Tim elaborated further: “When you play your game, you will excel. I think that’s what Kuminga is trying to differentiate, ‘Shall I make the coaches happy or shall I make myself happy?’ I think he has a guy in Jimmy Butler that’s going to help him out with his decisions and playing better out there on the court.“
Kuminga’s return is on the horizon
Jonathan Kuminga’s last appearance in an NBA game came on January 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Over two months have passed since that game, and he is now nearing the final stages of his recovery. “He scrimmaged just now. He’s had a couple good days in a row,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recently. “Should be soon and we’re excited to get him back.”
However, the Warriors’ most recent injury update ahead of Monday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers listed both Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski as out, signaling that Kuminga’s return continues to be delayed.
Hardaway praises Butler’s impact
In the same interview with Run It Back, Tim Hardaway spoke about the immense influence Jimmy Butler has had on the Warriors this season. “I told everyboody in the Bay Area, ‘You’re not gonna be in the Play-In no more with Jimmy Butler. You all are gonna be looking at a week of rest because you’re gonna be in the 6th, 5th or 4th seeed,” Hardaway said. “That’s how good Jimmy Butler is.”
The former guard also addressed how Butler has alleviated some of the pressure on Stephen Curry. “Steph can take breaks now,” Hardaway explained. “Steph don’t have to run around and do a whole bunch of stuff. Jimmy knows that he has another player that can, and it has been proven, take over in the fourth quarter.”