Warriors forward Jimmy Butler isn’t your typical superstar. Instead, the 35-year-old quietly earns his $110.96 million over the next two seasons by making smart plays on both ends of the court rather than dominating with 30-point performances or flashy dunks.
His new coach, Steve Kerr, has already become a fan of the six-time NBA All-Star’s understated impact. Speaking on 95.7 The Game’s Willard & Dibs on Monday night, Kerr praised Butler’s reliability and admitted he’s been pleasantly surprised by the veteran’s influence during the Warriors’ impressive 5-1 start with him.
“Well, I think you have to really see him every day to appreciate his game because he’s not your traditional superstar who’s lighting it up from [3-point range] or wowing you with highlights; it’s really just the efficiency of his game,” Kerr told Mark Willard and Dan Dibley. “He’s incredibly sound fundamentally.
“He’s a great passer; he understands how to get to the foul line; he’s really, really strong; so, he gets people to have to guard him, and then it just creates a lot of opportunities for himself but also for his teammates. I love his passing. I just feel like every time he puts the ball on the floor and pivots and makes a pass, it’s not spectacular, but it just makes the game flow. And that’s exactly what this team needs.”
The Butler-in-the-Bay experiment has been a resounding success so far.
Averaging 20 points per game along with 9.2 free throw attempts, 5.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 31.7 minutes, Butler has seamlessly integrated into the Warriors’ system. His defensive intensity complements fellow two-way forward Draymond Green and rising Swiss Army knife Brandin Podziemski, while his 10.8 two-point shot attempts per game provide a balanced contrast to the team’s three-point-heavy offense led by Stephen Curry.
For Steve Kerr, the game plan when Butler is on the court is simple: trust the 14-year NBA veteran.
“We’ve always been at our best with high-IQ guys around Steph and Draymond, and that’s what I’m seeing with Jimmy,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley.
Golden State thrived during its dynasty by embracing a selfless, team-first mentality. Players like the recently honored Andre Iguodala exemplified this approach, willingly adapting to a supporting role despite joining the Warriors just two seasons after an All-Star appearance.
Steve Kerr has already noticed similarities between Butler and Iguodala, with the most striking being Butler’s all-around influence—not just in the win-loss column, but also in the team’s chemistry and energy both on and off the court.
“It starts with the X’s and O’s, not in terms of schemes, but just in terms of great players making the game easier on everybody else. And that’s what Jimmy is doing right now,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley. “That’s what he’s doing right now, making the game simpler for everybody, and he’s getting us easier shots and our defense has been really good. And as a result, we’ve got more confidence, more momentum.”
Smoother offense, stronger defense, and a revitalized team and fan base—Jimmy Butler’s era with the Warriors is just getting started, and the potential is limitless.
“It feels right. It feels like things are clicking,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley.
