Sep 28, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) dribbles two basketballs during Media Day at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) dribbles two basketballs during Media Day at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
As the Golden State Warriors wrap up preparations for the upcoming season, Jimmy Butler continues to endure the grueling return process. Ever since tearing his right ACL back in January, the veteran forward has been hard at work with his rehab, determined to return at some point in the coming months.
For Butler, getting back to action is his biggest priority right now, and not just because of how much the team needs him. As he recently admitted in a recent interview, Butler is going stir crazy from being away from the game that has defined over half of his life. Fortunately, he says he’s almost ready to go.
“A lot. I miss being around the guys, in the trenches with them, fighting. You gotta think, I’ve been doing that more than half of my life now, like competing at a high level,” said Butler on SiriusXM radio. “And I haven’t had that in a while, and I just can’t wait to get back to it. I’m excited. I’ve been working my tail off to get back right and be better than I was, so I think I’ll be ready to go.”
With averages of 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game on 51.9% shooting last season, Butler showed us that he still has plenty left in the tank. Even at 36, his impact on the Warriors was evident, as he provided a scoring alternative to Stephen Curry. The injury disrupted all of that, but Butler believes they can recreate that magic when he returns to the court.
“Of course. But I mean, if you were to ask anybody that question, would they say, ‘No, we’re not gonna win any games. No, we’re not gonna make the playoffs. No, we’re not gonna win a championship’? So it’s kind of like a broken record whenever you ask anybody, ‘Yo, what’s your goal for this year?’ Like, just take one player and then just copy and paste it on every player because they’re all gonna say they’re winning a championship and to do this and to do that,” said Butler. “I think we’re very capable of it, and that’s the goal.”
Even with Butler’s inevitable return this season, the Warriors are considered underdogs in the West. Outside of their starting lineup, they just don’t have the depth that’s needed to contend with the Thunder and Spurs. Then there’s a team like the 76ers, who just added LeBron James to their stacked roster. On the surface, it’s only another obstacle for Golden State, but Jimmy isn’t even thinking like that.
“I don’t make nothing out of nothing,” Butler added. “I mind my business. I play in San Francisco for the Golden State Warriors. So what they’re doing over there is what they’re doing over there. Good for them. I hope they’re happy. Hope they can win. I hope they can compete. But I think we’re gonna give them hell whenever we play against them.”
Jimmy Butler fits like a glove with the Warriors, and it didn’t take long for him to earn the favor of his teammates and coaches. That’s part of the reason they haven’t yet traded Jimmy, and it could pay off for them when he’s finally cleared to play.
As for whether it will be enough to make the Warriors competitive, that’s still unclear. As much as they believe in their talent, recent setbacks have called everything into question. The truth is, until we see Butler in action for ourselves, there’s always going to be some questions about his future in San Francisco.
Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media.