Butler’s debut brings Warriors fresh start for playoff push

[ad_1]

Butler’s debut brings Warriors fresh start for playoff push originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

CHICAGO – When Jimmy Butler was introduced by the Warriors on Thursday in Los Angeles, the number across his back was one he had never worn.

Not in high school. Not in his one year at Tyler Junior College. Not in the three years he spent at Marquette. Not on any of the four previous teams he has played for in the NBA.

But when Butler made his Warriors debut Saturday night in Chicago, there was another change above his new No. 10 jersey. Another number. Three more numbers in fact.

On the one-year anniversary of the death of his father, Jimmy Butler Jr., his son decided to honor him by having his nameplate read “Butler III,” an addition the newest Warriors star after a 132-111 win at United Center says will last “forever and ever.”

one year. since I lost my pops. love you and miss you so much! ❤️ HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a HELLA GOOD FRIEND/MOTHER/WIFE, (you know who you are)… and a damn DUB for DUB NATION 💛💙! life is so good right now. pic.twitter.com/qs2y7Ulljq

— Jimmy Butler (@JimmyButler) February 9, 2025

Butler’s Warriors tenure began in the middle of a seven-game road trip, with six being before the NBA All-Star break. Warriors fans are sure to give him a warm welcome and rousing ovation in his home debut at Chase Center, presumably on Feb. 23 against Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks, but being on the road is the perfect place to integrate him into the Warriors. To play dominoes on the team plane, make memories that have nothing to with basketball, and get to know the person more than the player.

“Just starting off on this road trip, it’s huge,” Draymond Green said. “Credit to Jimmy. Today was the anniversary of his dad passing. Kind of full circle, coming back here, all of those emotions and just the way he handled himself. Status quo. Push forward.

“It’s really good for us to be in the middle of this road trip where he’s with us, spending a ton of time together.”

The Warriors aren’t 1-0, they’re 26-26, back to .500 with 30 regular-season games left. But there was a…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/butlers-debut-brings-warriors-fresh-091941416.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2025-02-09 09:19:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.