After three months of playoff-level basketball since Jimmy Butler’s debut in early February, Golden State superstar Stephen Curry is optimistic about the Warriors’ chances of competing for the championship with Butler, in what is expected to be a two-year window for the title.
One day after the Warriors’ season ended with a five-game loss in the second round against Minnesota, Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green discussed how they believe the Warriors can win a title with some roster improvements and good health.
Our contracts, mine, Draymond’s, Steve’s, and Jimmy’s, are all for two more years. And we want this journey to last as long as possible. But it’s about what this team needs for next year, answering those questions during the summer, having everyone prepare individually to get through another 82-game season, with a little more margin for comfort at the end, where we don’t have to have a two-month challenge just to make the playoffs.
Stephen Curry
Curry added that although many decisions must be made during the summer, he is excited about the clarity that exists at the top of the roster.
Curry, Butler, and Green wonder what might have happened this postseason if Curry hadn’t suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring sprain in the second quarter of Game 1 against Minnesota. Without Curry, the Warriors lost four straight games. Curry said that, had he been able to extend the series, everything was aligned for a possible return in Game 6.
Definitely disappointed. We imagine and believe we could have won it all if we had been healthy. But we have to move on.
Stephen Curry
After his first three months with the Warriors, after being traded from Miami, Butler reiterated how excited he is to have arrived alongside Curry and Green.
I am completely happy with who I am as a basketball player, the way I play. And coming here and knowing that I am Steph’s second, I think that’s a really good thing, actually, when you’re talking about one of the best players who have played this game. I can come here and be his teammate for a couple more years, hopefully. It’s just refreshing. Then you have some very high-level young talents who want to do well, who want to be great, and the energy is through the roof. I don’t think you can ask for much more.
Jimmy Butler
Butler added that the team chemistry and the support of young talents make the experience even better.
The Warriors were 25-26 before Butler’s debut with the Warriors on February 8. Golden State went 23-8 and had the third-best record the rest of the regular season. The Warriors ranked first in defensive efficiency, third in points allowed per game, and first in assists per game during that period.
Butler averaged 17.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, but completely changed the Warriors’ season with his presence and play. In his play-in game, Butler secured the most important defensive rebound and finished with 38 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to defeat Memphis.
Green emphasized the importance of Butler’s arrival and what the team needs in the offseason.
The most important change that had to be made was that we needed someone like Jimmy Butler. And we made that change. I think the hardest part is done.
Draymond Green
Butler, Curry, and Green hope to have an offseason to train and a training camp and a full season together.
There was a lot of conversation about whether that was the right trade or not when it happened. But from the first game in Chicago to last night, it was a perfect fit. He and I complemented each other really well. He gave us so much confidence that we could beat anyone on any given night and make a legitimate run to move up the standings and even have some playoff experience to look forward to.
Stephen Curry
