Jimmy Butler
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Jimmy Butler is in his first full season with the Golden State Warriors.
One of the most entertaining duos off the court since last season has been Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield of the Golden State Warriors. Their chemistry remained intact heading into this season, but Hield’s role has diminished since midway through last December.
Speaking to reporters after the Warriors’ 123-114 win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday, coach Steve Kerr praised Hield for keeping the energy up on the bench despite not playing a single minute.
Butler was asked about Hield’s impact on Golden State despite his role changing based on what the team needs. Butler pointed out the Bahamian guard’s positive energy as an important part of their success.
“It matters. But Buddy’s just goofy anyway, like whether he’s playing or not, he’s goofy. And I think that’s the consistency that we love. Buddy’s gonna be Buddy. We hope everybody is like that. Like good, bad, and different. You have good days, more good ones than bad ones, but I think Buddy is the most consistent, like he’s smiling, joking. No matter what, his spirit’s always high, and we follow suit in that,” Butler said after the game, via NBC Sports Bay Area & California.
Hield has received four DNPs since December 18 and is averaging just 12.4 minutes in his last five appearances.
Secret to Butler and Hield’s Friendship
Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield had never been teammates before linking up back in February, when the Golden State Warriors acquired the All-Star forward from the Miami Heat. So, how did Butler and Hield become close friends immediately?
Speaking to the media back in October, Hield explained that their personalities just matched instantly, and the banter was just part of building chemistry.
“I think because our personalities are able to flourish, and just being ourselves, it’s not fake. I just have this personality where I just say crazy stuff in the moment,” Hield said, via FOX 2 KTVU.
Hield added that Butler’s work ethic on and off the court also helped:
“I just love the way he play. I think he’s a dope individual, dope human being. You can see his work that he’s put in. He has great energy about him.”
Heat Feeling Happier Without Butler
There was plenty of drama last season between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. Butler even claimed that he lost his joy amid trade rumors before eventually getting sent to the Golden State Warriors near the deadline.
According to Heat insider Ethan J. Skolnick, the feeling within the Heat organization has been better since Butler’s trade. Skolnick revealed the situation on the latest episode of his Five on the Floor podcast.
“All those stories that are out there, the weight that was lifted from the organization simply by Jimmy being gone, which I don’t think I can overemphasize. There’s no way to because it’s just — people are just happier this year. They just are. And that’s the support staff, that’s everybody,” Skolnick said, via Heat Nation.
In addition to the Heat and Warriors, Butler has also played for the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers.