The Golden State Warriors have come on leaps and bounds since the trade deadline signing of Jimmy Butler.
Butler always looked destined for an exit from the Miami Heat following his multiple suspensions and war of words with GM Pat Riley.
Despite Steph Curry and Steve Kerr’s reported concerns over the signing of Butler, he’s certainly helped lift the feeling around the side since his arrival.
His fast start, which included a 25-point debut against the Chicago Bulls, has also helped the side take their time over the return of one of the team’s major stars.
Before Butler’s arrival, there was little doubt that the Warriors were lacking some star power to partner with Steph Curry.
The Warriors were one of the very few big names in the league that failed to have a strong duo leading their team.
Curry has certainly been impressed with his new partner, as the pair have helped the Warriors to win three of their last four games.
Anthony Slater is worried that the Warriors may overplay the duo in a move of ‘desperation’ to try and secure a playoff spot. Something that is perhaps ill-advised given the age of both of their superstars.
Despite the concerns over overplaying Butler, Paul Pierce has certainly been impressed by his instant impact on the Warriors team, he told KG Certified: “It looked like Draymond, he energized [and] Steph, you know what I’m saying. On the sidelines Jimmy pointing at him, their spirit. Now they like OK, that’s cool.
“They look like they got a fighting chance now. Before it didn’t look like it. It’s a different attitude now, you got an All-Star player, impactful player.”
There was no doubt that the injury to Jonathan Kuminga came at the worst time for the Warriors.
Kuminga was just beginning to find his groove for the team having been handed a regular starting spot. Many argued that the move may have been a deliberate ploy by the Warriors to show off Kuminga ahead of a potential trade.
However, Kuminga impressed so much that there now appears very little chance of the Warriors parting with the 22-year-old who can certainly become the future of the franchise.
The Congolese forward was averaging 16-5-2 before sustaining his sprained right ankle against the Grizzlies at the start of the year.
Despite his importance to the Warriors earlier in the season, Kevin Garnett has explained how the arrival of Butler has earned the team time in the recovery of Kuminga.
He said: “They was rushing Kuminga, now it’s like take your time, we working this. Man I like Golden State. This gonna be a real problem right here.”
Kuminga is expected to be incorporated into team practices after the All-Star break.
