Jimmy Butler’s arrival at the Golden State Warriors has ignited fresh hopes for a championship run. The former Miami Heat standout has injected new energy into the Bay Area franchise, taking them from outside the NBA playoff picture to legitimate title contenders. Butler recently shared that his motivation to win a championship stems largely from the legacy of Stephen Curryand Draymond Green.
“Look, I’m not gonna say I’m not hungry, but I’m doing this for Steph,” Butler told The Athletic. “I’m doing this for Dray. I’m doing this for these guys. As much as I want to win a championship, I want Dray to win another one. I want Steph to win another one”.
Acknowledging the duo’s immense contributions to the Warriors’ success over the years, Butler expressed a deep respect for their commitment to the franchise and their city, and that’s why he wants to help them secure their fifth NBA championship
“I know I ain’t got mine yet, but they deserve it,” he continued. “They’ve been putting this city and this organization on their back for a very long time, and I’m glad that I can be here to try and do something special”.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors react after a play. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Butler embraces the Warriors’ reputation as a target
Since Curry and Green’s rise to prominence, the Warriors have become the team everyone loves to chase and defeat. That pressure doesn’t faze Butler. In fact, he thrives on it.
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Warriors star Jimmy Butler opens up on his increased role within the franchise
“I love having a target on my back,” Butler told The Athletic’s Sam Amick when asked about playing for a franchise perpetually in the spotlight. “I think I’ve had it the last couple of years over in the East, and (the Warriors) are gonna always have it, until 30 (Stephen Curry) and 23 (Draymond Green) are gone out this m—”.
“They’re always gonna be the squad to beat,” Butler added. “Everybody always fears them. Everybody always knows that they’re not out of any game, out of any series, and I love to be a part of it”.
‘Playoff Jimmy’ is locked in
Having just played his first play-in game with the Warriors, Butler is already in full “Playoff Jimmy” mode, ready to showcase why his nickname carries so much weight. “I ain’t scared of nobody. You know me. I’m not scared of nobody. I know what I’m capable of,” Butler declared.
“Like I always say, now is the time to show it, but I know what they’re capable of more than anything,” he added. “When you’ve got some hellified ballers in there that are confident, that accept their role, and they do whatever we ask them to do to win, man, that’s hard to beat. That’s very hard to beat“.
