Jimmy Butler has been playing consistently since his move to the Golden State Warriors.
The six-time All-Star has been an integral part of the Dubs, averaging 16-5-5 splits and leading the team to a 13-1 record with him in the lineup.
Butler’s arrival has helped Steph Curry massively, as a lot of the offensive pressure has been taken off his shoulder with the three-point record-holder being able to play a lot more freely.
The 35-year-old has also helped the Warriors improve massively on the defensive end, and many believe that Butler’s arrival has re-ignited the lost spark in the team.
Although all seems to be going well for the former Eastern Conference Finals MVP since his arrival to the Warriors, Butler had to go through a lot to force his way out of the Miami Heat.
The franchise suspended Butler several times before his trade and made his exit one of the most controversial ones in NBA history.
Former NBA player Antoine Walker believes that president Pat Riley should have avoided fining Butler, lamenting the way the situation played out.
Antoine Walker was a part of the Miami Heat franchise that won the 2006 championship.
He stated Riley is a disciplinarian and likes things going his way, but revealed he was not a fan of the Hall of Famer fining Butler.
Speaking on ‘Run it Back,’ Walker said: “I didn’t like the Jimmy situation because you shouldn’t have to start fining guys for their money.
“I think if you want to part ways and move him, there’s ways you can do that, but to take his money and put this bad light on him is tough.”
Walker shared examples of Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal and himself, all players who had been part of the championship team and how they were treated by Riley.
“One thing about Pat if you notice the trend, when he’s kind of done with you, he does it publically.
“This is even dating back to D-Wade, Shaq, Jimmy, myself. It never stays in-house,” said Walker.
The Butler era has started well in the Bay Area, but there are still a lot of questions about the roster.
They have managed to lodge wins, but they have not yet bagged it against a championship contending team.
Their wins came against the likes of the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Hornets.
However, things are expected to get tougher for the team as the season reaches its final month.
Butler and co. will have to go up against the likes of the Denver Nuggets, LA Lakers, Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks.
They also have some winnable games, but the Dubs are in a race to secure a playoff spot rather than a play-in and their rivals LA Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves are in a similar situation.
The team cannot afford to drop games and will have to stay consistent to get into the playoffs directly.
While they have the team to battle it out against the others, it is going to be interesting to see how the team adapts with Butler in the lineup against the contending side.
Draymond Green heaped high praise about Buter when he was traded and so far the player has justified why he deserves the appreciation.
