The value of Jimmy Butler, his intangible impact, showed before he put on a Warriors uniform. And it was visible in the box scores before he took the court with Golden State.
In the two games the Warriors played after the trade went down, Steph Curry took 66 shots combined — the most he’s taken in a two-game stretch. Ever. He took 31 at Utah and 35 at the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s also the first time he’s gotten up 30 attempts or more in consecutive games.
Curry only made 25 of the 66, including 31.6 percent from 3, which helps explain the consecutive defeats. But that same energy was present in the third quarter of Jimmy Butler’s first game, Saturday against the Chicago Bulls. Down by 24 points, Curry went hunting. He took 11 shots in 12 minutes.
This time, he made his usual clip. His 24 points in the third quarter flipped the game. The Warriors won by 21.
The presence of Butler has shifted the mentality of Curry. He’s got a superstar next to him now. A 35-year-old superstar. A proven playoff performer. You know what that means to Curry?
This is the last ride. This is the final push. This begins the encore pursuit of a fifth championship.
“He’s here for a reason, to help try to get us to the next level,” Curry said.
“You look at his body of work. It seems like when the stakes get higher, he rises to the occasion. He’s a dog. He’s a winner. And just the idea he has a lot to prove with a new situation. I know he’s excited to help us. We’re excited to help him. … I like a motivated, hungry team with Jimmy on there and the vets we have to try to put it together.”
‘Opposite’ players Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry dominate in debut together
The core pieces are set. Their contracts are all aligned, so the expiration date is set. And the player they got only knows one way, so the tone is set. This is it.
Butler’s debut made it feel real. It was against Chicago, hardly a formidable foe, but the blueprint was set. How Butler complements Curry was viscerally clear. As was the Warriors’ thirstiness for what Butler brings. And how imposing Butler is on the court and in the psyche of a team.
Whatever he averages, however many clutch moments he authors, Butler’s greatest impact will perhaps be his contribution to the Warriors’ competitiveness, aggression, and urgency — which had fallen from its dynastic heights.
“That’s kind of the key to me,” coach Steve Kerr said. “It’s the swagger he gives us. I think he gives confidence to the rest of the group, including Steph and Draymond (Green). And that’s important, when all those guys are feeling empowered and confident. You feel the difference — at both ends of the floor. There is just a palpable energy. We needed that. For most of the season, we’ve been kind of treading water and we haven’t been able to kind of generate that vibe. So, this is the whole point of the deal, to inject that confidence and that presence that Jimmy brings.”
In return, the arrangement that has him smiling wide enough to convince of his declared happiness: Jimmy gets to be Jimmy.
The Warriors are happy to oblige him — with the caveat that players put in the work, show up and value the team. It’s a pact that speaks to Butler, who’s never had a problem with work or being a good teammate. He’s just a different cat. But the Warriors welcome individual freedoms and diverse personalities. From Klay Thompson to Andre Iguodala. From DeMarcus Cousins to Chris Paul. Golden State champions its franchise as a sort of players’ paradise. They see their relationship with Butler as a banner for one of their organizational strengths.
The Warriors are banking on their philosophy to keep Butler happy. They are fully aware of their contrast with Miami, from which Butler dramatically divorced. The Warriors are convinced Butler will love it among them. They added $58 million to his bounty with a promise to swathe him in appreciation, accommodation and excellence. They want Jimmy to be Jimmy.
“We figured if we can handle Draymond Green, we can handle anybody,” owner Joe Lacob said, breaking out in laughter.
“(General manager) Mike (Dunleavy) knows him really well. That’s a big advantage. Steph and Draymond know him and really like him a lot. I really don’t think there are any significant concerns with that. And he’s going to be happy. He’s coming to a great organization that’s going to take really good care of him, and he’ll work his ass off for us, and we’ll do anything for him. That’s the way this goes. I don’t foresee any problems at all.”
Butler is a bonafide superstar.
He’s got the game of a superstar. That was evident as he manufactured 25 points, imposed his will, despite being short on wind after nearly three weeks off and being planted into a new system. Already, he’s altered the Warriors rotation. Curry can now play entire quarters — instead of sitting for two to three minutes in the middle, which kills his rhythm — because Butler allows Curry an elongated rest. Butler adds a new dimension with his interior prowess and free throw exploitation. And he is elite in transition.
He’s got the personality of a superstar. The charm and savvy flows fluidly. So much so you wonder how this guy has left three franchises amid controversy. He’ll throw shots, veiled and blatant, while also being likable. He knows how to play that game, too. He can dominate a space with few words, with just his aura. He doesn’t get the air time of the NBA’s other massive stars. But Jimmy carries himself like one, and it feels authentic.
He’s got the eccentricity of a superstar. His ontological view of himself is evident in his quirks and habits. Butler has been known to stay in a different hotel than the team, get himself to and from games (instead of on the team bus) and travel with a private party. His personal trainer, Armando Rivas, is already here, so that clearly wasn’t an issue — despite the Warriors having a renowned training staff led by Rick Celebrini.
All the Warriors are revealing is they’ve got an understanding with Butler. It doesn’t seem to be about hardlines and restrictive rules. But a commitment to trust and invest, in each other. And the Warriors are certain in their ability to deliver an NBA home. One that features the extravagance of Lacob, the connection of Dunleavy, the greatness and amenability of Curry, the perspective of Kerr, the fire of Draymond, the enormous spotlight of the Warriors, the adoration of a fan base large enough to move the NBA needle.
And, of course, a championship pedigree. The one thing Butler lacks is a ring. And his presence on the Warriors is evidence of their claims they will do what it takes to nab another one.
“I know that they’re all about winning though, which is all that matters,” Butler said at his introductory press conference. “I know they’re gonna do whatever it takes for their players to be comfortable. Because when you’ve got happy players, those players are gonna go above and beyond. … I know that’s part of it. I’ve seen it first hand.”
The honeymoon has begun.
(Photo: Jeff Haynes / NBAE via Getty Images)
