Warriors star Draymond Green explains Jimmy Butler’s surprising impact on his 2025 DPOY run

Despite their inconsistencies this season, the Golden State Warriors remain competitive in the Western Conference. Draymond Green has played an important role on the defensive end. His intensity and leadership shape the team’s identity. Thanks to his performances, he now stands among the top contenders for Defensive Player of the Year. After his latest effort, Green highlighted Jimmy Butler’s role.

“We had a top-10 defense all year, and with Jimmy coming in, our defense has gotten even better. Our defense has actually been the number one, number two defense in the league since Jimmy’s been here,” stated Green on his podcast ‘The Draymond Green Show’.

Jimmy Butler’s versatility has been essential to the Warriors’ scheme. His physical condition allows him to contribute on both ends. Draymond Green always finds in Butler a reliable support. Together, they form a solid duo that anchors the team’s defense. Whether they are looking for defensive superiority or pressing the rivals, Butler makes his presence felt forcing opponents into mistakes and helps create turnovers.

However, Draymond also confesses the reason why he is so motivated to perform at this impeccable level at the age of 35: “to know that—like, ‘Yo, I can really make a push for this thing’ —it’s been extremely motivating. Just going into these games, having that added factor of like, ‘Yo, I really want to accomplish this,’ it’s like I need to lock in and focus on the task at hand. It’s motivated the hell out of me.”

Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors sets up a shot during the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Steve Kerr reveals why Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry could thrive on the same team

Jimmy Butler’s arrival in Golden State Warriors created a lot of controversy. Many questioned how he could fit alongside a superstar like Stephen Curry. Some even believed Butler’s ego would get in the way. They thought it might stop him from contributing to the team.

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However, the reality turned out to be very different. Butler proved those doubts wrong and became a key part of the Warriors. Moreover, Steve Kerr explained the reasons why Butler adapted so well.

“Jimmy is a great all-around basketball player…He does everything well and he makes winning plays over and over again. He’s interesting to watch because he doesn’t jump out of the gym or rain 3-pointers. He’s not an obvious superstar, you have to watch him for a little bit,” stated Kerr.

Although the Warriors failed to secure a playoff berth, their defense remains one of the best in the league. That speaks volumes about the work done throughout the season. Because of this, the franchise still looks like a legitimate NBA champsionship contender. Considering his impressive impact on defense, we can say that Butler’s arrival has been a complete success for the franchise.