Despite the team’s recent inconsistency, there’s no denying that the Golden State Warriors have looked stronger since Jimmy Butler’s arrival. The small forward has elevated the level of those around him and has put the team back in position to compete for another championship. That surge led to a bold comparison from an NBA legend, who placed Butler above Klay Thompson.
“When they won a couple of years ago, it was Klay, Draymond, and Curry. They were always the driving force of the team,” said Paul Pierce during a recent episode of the Ticket and The Truth podcast with Kevin Garnett. “You have to understand that team won a ring just a couple of years ago.”
The 2008 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics continued: “But then you insert Jimmy Butler instead of Klay. And that gives the team a completely different element,” said Paul Pierce. “That team had already won a ring. Now you’ve upgraded it with Butler. Because, as great as Klay is, Butler is an upgrade because of the way he gets his.”
Later, reflecting on Golden State’s potential with this new dynamic, Pierce didn’t hold back: “That’s scary,” he said. “They’re dangerous. They’re messing up everybody’s plans.”
Jimmy Butler #10 warms up before his debut with the Golden State Warriors against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 8, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.
Garnett also praises Butler
In that same conversation, another Celtics legend, Kevin Garnett, also praised the impact Butler is having on the Warriors. “You don’t want to face Golden State right now,” said the former center. “Jimmy’s not only getting them to the free throw line, he’s also got great balance.”
However, KG also raised a concern about a specific aspect of Steve Kerr’s squad: “Sometimes, when I watch them play, I think they’re too small… but the way they play…”
Paul Pierce jumped in right away: “Think about it. Draymond can guard any five in the league.”
“Not any five… but most of them,” Garnett replied.
“OK, like 99% of them,” Pierce conceded with a laugh.
The Warriors are fighting to secure a playoff spot
With the team’s notable improvement since Jimmy Butler’s arrival, many expected the Warriors to secure a playoff spot with ease. However, their recent inconsistency — with four losses in their last ten games — has complicated things.
After a surprising loss on Wednesday night to the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State now sits in seventh place in the Western Conference. With only two games remaining, they have no room for error if they want to avoid the play-in tournament. First, they’ll need to beat the Portland Trail Blazers, and then face a crucial regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Clippers.
