The Warriors’ Quest for Reinforcement
The 2022-2023 Golden State Warriors always seemed to be missing a key ingredient. Despite their elite defense and the wizardry of Stephen Curry, their offense was alarmingly dependent. Even during their impressive 12-3 start, the team struggled to score when Curry was on the bench, often ranking among the league’s worst offenses in those scenarios. Enter Dennis Schröder, a mid-December trade acquisition aimed at bolstering the team’s offensive firepower. However, Schröder’s tenure was short-lived and uneventful, averaging just 10.6 points per game with abysmal shooting splits. His presence did little to alleviate the team’s scoring woes, and by the February 6 trade deadline, it was clear that a more substantial move was necessary. Enter Jimmy Butler.
The Jimmy Butler Impact
Since adding Jimmy Butler on February 6, the Warriors have been on a tear, posting an 8-2 record and an 8-1 record in games he’s played. This includes their first five-game winning streak since the season’s early weeks. Butler hasn’t been lighting up the scoreboards with superstar numbers, averaging 16 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. However, his impact has been profound. The Warriors have outscored opponents by a staggering 14.7 points per 100 possessions with Butler on the floor, according to Cleaning the Glass. His win share of .217 per 48 minutes ranks him among the league’s elite, including MVP candidates and All-NBA caliber players.
A Cultural Shift
Butler’s arrival has done more than just boost the team’s stats; it has revitalized the Warriors’ culture. Head coach Steve Kerr was looking for a jolt to shake the team out of a malaise that had set in over the past few months. Butler, known for his intensity and unflinching competitiveness, has been the perfect catalyst. Draymond Green, who expressed a desire for another "a**hole" to restore the team’s defensive edge, has been particularly emboldened by Butler’s presence. The two have formed a formidable defensive duo, and the team’s overall defense has improved significantly, ranking among the top five in the league since Butler’s arrival.
A Team-Friendly Star
What makes Butler such a good fit for the Warriors is his ability to elevate the team without needing to dominate it. He ranks eighth in the league in front-court touches per game but is far less selfish with the ball, ranking 74th in average time of possession and 165th in average dribbles per touch. This selflessness has translated into a smoother offensive flow, with the Warriors seeing a drop in their turnover rate from 14% to 12.3% since the trade. Butler’s presence has also provided a crucial boost to the team’s paint touches and rim pressure, driving to the basket a team-high 10.8 times per game and helping the Warriors climb to 14th in rim rate over the past 10 games.
A New Dynamic
Butler’s impact extends beyond his own production. He has provided the Warriors with a reliable scoring option when Curry is on the bench, a challenge that had plagued the team all season. Before the trade, the Warriors were outscored by 2.9 points per 100 possessions when Curry was off the floor. Since Butler’s arrival, that number has flipped to a positive 5.2 points per 100. His ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line has been particularly valuable, as the team has climbed from 28th to 10th in free-throw attempt rate since the trade. On the defensive end, the Warriors have become more aggressive, forcing turnovers on 18.8% of opponents’ possessions, the second-highest rate in the league over that span.
A Bright Future
The early returns are promising, and the Warriors have already climbed to sixth place in the Western Conference with one of the easiest remaining schedules. Projections now give them a coin-flip chance of avoiding the play-in tournament. With a rejuvenated Curry and a bolstered roster, the Warriors are trending towards a meaningful playoff run. Curry, who has averaged 29.5 points on scorching .691 true shooting since the trade, seems energized by the team’s newfound competitiveness. "I want to win. I want to be competitive," Curry said. "Doesn’t mean you’re going to be the odds-on favorite to win a championship; you just want to have a situation where you can be in the conversation. That’s what we all want. It’s what we all deserve."
A Perfect Fit
Jimmy Butler might be a good fit anywhere, but he’s a great fit for a team that needed a reason to believe. His arrival has not only improved the Warriors’ on-court performance but has also restored the team’s confidence and competitiveness. As the Warriors prepare to face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose and a belief that they can make a deep playoff run.
