Before the All-Star break, the Golden State Warriors seemed to be losing their grip on contention for the NBA title. But the midseason acquisition of Jimmy Butler has breathed new life into the team, elevating them into championship discussions. Butler has seamlessly integrated into the lineup alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. In fact, Steve Kerr sees defensive parallels between the Butler-Green duo and the iconic Michael Jordan–Scottie Pippen partnership from his Chicago Bulls days.
One of the main reasons the Warriors are back in the conversation for the NBA championship is the defensive powerhouse they now have with Butler and Green playing together.
Speaking to ESPN, Kerr drew a direct line to his experiences playing with Jordan and Pippen when discussing the impact of Butler and Green. “Pippen and Jordan,” Kerr said of the Warriors duo. “Just incredible intelligence and athleticism combined with versatility. There’s definitely some of that”.
Butler appears to be the missing piece the Warriors needed to reignite their championship aspirations. Curry has found a reliable second scoring option in Butler, while Green has gained a defensive partner who complements his intensity and skillset.
Draymond Green #23 and Jimmy Butler #10 of the Golden State Warriors speak on the court against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Butler on his bond with Draymond Green
The former Miami Heat star expressed his respect for Green, emphasizing that they share a singular focus: winning. Butler dismissed the idea that their competitive personalities would clash.
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“Two winners that would do anything to win,” Butler told ESPN about his relationship with Green. “He could care less about personal success. He’s just trying to win a championship. I just want to win. I don’t give a f— about nothing else. We ain’t going to never butt no m— heads. … That’s what people keep overlooking. They think like we going to get in fist fights. No, we not. Because all we want to do is win”.
Butler reflects on comparisons to Green
Butler also highlighted the shared traits that have helped him and Green bond on and off the court, beginning with their backgrounds. “We got a lot in common with kids, our love for basketball,” Butler said. “Small-town individuals that happen to end up on a big-time college basketball squad, late draft picks that have overcome everything to become who they are today”.
“That’s what those conversations are, and I just appreciate it,” he added. “I shed grace on everybody that just wants to sit here and s— on Jimmy Butler III and talk. But it’s because you don’t know what I’m doing. Nobody does.”
The partnership between Butler and Green has revitalized the Warriors, and Kerr’s bold comparison suggests that this duo could leave an indelible mark on the franchise’s storied history.
