The Warriors’ season just got more interesting, with Jimmy Butler making an instant impact after his trade from Miami while the team eagerly awaits Jonathan Kuminga’s return from injury.
Butler didn’t waste any time showing why Golden State wanted him. The 35-year-old veteran dropped 25 points in his Warriors debut this weekend – without even practicing with his new teammates.
“He’s a lion. He’s a force,” coach Steve Kerr said after Butler helped erase a 24-point deficit to beat the Bulls 132-111.
That 25-point performance wasn’t just impressive – it was historic. No player has scored that many in their Warriors debut since Kevin Durant nearly a decade ago.
But Kerr was even more excited about something else.
“I’m most impressed with his passing,” he said. “His passing changes everything… The skill, the strength, the ability to get to the free throw line.”
While Butler’s making headlines, the Warriors are keeping close watch on Kuminga’s recovery. The 22-year-old forward was having a breakout season before spraining his right ankle on January 4th, averaging 16.8 points and 5 rebounds in 26 minutes per game.
He’s missed 19 straight games so far.
The team’s medical staff says Kuminga’s making progress, but fans will have to wait until after the All-Star Break to see him back on the court. He’ll be evaluated again in 10 days.
“I wouldn’t anticipate him playing those first few games right after the break,” Kerr said before Monday’s 125-111 win in Milwaukee.
The Warriors are betting big on both players. They just gave Butler a two-year, $111 million deal, and Kuminga was showing signs of becoming their next star before getting hurt.
If Butler’s debut is any indication – he shot 7-of-12 and got to the free throw line 13 times – Golden State’s gamble might pay off sooner rather than later.
