The Golden State Warriors received a brutal reality check regarding Jimmy Butler.
Jimmy Butler is expected to play a key role for the Golden State Warriors during the 2025-26 NBA season.
In fact, head coach Steve Kerr praised Butler for solving a problem the Dubs have been grappling with for a decade: how to successfully play without Stephen Curry.
Despite Kerr’s thoughts, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas doesn’t think Butler is a true second-option star for the Warriors.
During his time with the Miami Heat, Butler was the No. 1 option most nights. The Warriors’ entire offense revolves around Curry.
Still, Butler is very happy with the Warriors. But Arenas doesn’t think Jimmy’s style of play makes him an elite second option behind Steph.
“How Steph plays is going to keep them relevant. But he needs other guys to help him move. Jimmy Butler plays team basketball. He’s a team basketball guy.”
“There’s no obvious second option for that team,” Arenas said at The Arena.
He added: “(Jonathan) Kuminga and Buddy Hield haven’t proactively said, ‘I’m going to take 18 shots and I’m going to be the second guy.’Right now, they don’t have that yet.”
“Steph plays Steph, and they play really good basketball.”
Butler has shown signs of dominance in the preseason, but it will be interesting to see if he sheds his style of play and becomes a little more selfish on the court.
For many years, Klay Thompson was drafted as the second option behind Curry and helped the Dubs win multiple NBA championships.
Arenas urged current Warriors players to study Klay’s play, be like him and truly help Curry.
“They don’t have Klay, they don’t have a player who says he’s No. 2, unless Kuminga can be No. 2,” Arenas continued.
Arenas had his final thoughts on Butler, saying, “Your second option (Butler) averages 18. It’s not a second option. He’s going to play good basketball. You need him as your third.”
To make matters worse, remember that the Warriors have the oldest starting five in the NBA. All things considered, the Warriors could be headed for a disastrous campaign.