Jimmy Butler Vows to Save the Warriors’ Title Hopes in Comeback from ACL Injury
Eight months have passed since Jimmy Butler’s right knee buckled during a game against Miami, but the memory remains crystal clear. Butler remembers the high pass from Brandin Podziemski, the sudden movement of Davion Mitchell, and the excruciating pain of landing. In that painful moment, he could hear Buddy Hield screaming from the sidelines, “Get up, Jimmy! We need you!” Butler’s quick, colorful response was, “No s—, Buddy.”
As he rolled onto his back, he looked up to see Stephen Curry—whom Butler calls “Batman”—looking deeply concerned. Curry knew immediately how severe the injury was. Before the crash, Butler was playing at an elite level, averaging 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists, leading the Warriors on an 11-4 run. Coach Steve Kerr felt they had a legitimate shot at the championship, but Butler’s ACL tear instantly crushed those hopes, and the team finished the season at 37-45.
Despite the injury occurring just before the trade deadline, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy never considered trading Butler. Dunleavy, who played with Butler in Chicago, believed in his toughness and star potential. Even with Butler on an expiring contract, Dunleavy saw him as essential to the team’s future, refusing to include him in trades for players like Anthony Davis or Jaylen Brown.
Now, Butler is grinding through his rehab. While Moses Moody is expected to return first, Butler is aiming for a comeback in January or February. Butler admits he felt he let down Curry, Draymond Green, and Kerr, but his confidence is returning as he starts running and jumping again. He says he doesn’t care about the doubters who think the Warriors are finished. He is determined to prove everyone wrong, step back on the floor, and help the team win.
