Jimmy Butler hasn’t wasted any time making his presence felt in Golden State. In just a month with the Warriors, his impact on Steve Kerr’s squad is already undeniable. Since Butler’s arrival, the team has gone 9-2, winning nine of the ten games he’s suited up for. Not long ago, the Warriors seemed to be on the brink of missing the playoffs entirely.
Now, they’ve clawed their way back into the mix, holding a 34-28 record and sitting at the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference. Butler’s addition has been a game-changer, giving Golden State exactly the boost they needed.
Steve Kerr spoke about Jimmy Butler’s seamless transition into the Warriors’ system, admitting he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. However, Butler’s impact has quickly erased any doubts.
Feb 5, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr watches his team from the sidelines during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
“I didn’t know what to expect other than, I knew we were getting a great player in Jimmy Butler and I hoped that he would do what he’s doing, but I wasn’t sure,” Kerr said. “You’re never sure until you actually see it and feel it.”
He highlighted how well Butler has meshed with the team’s core, particularly alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. “And, and I think the biggest thing, honestly, is he’s a perfect fit next to Steph and Dray. He really is excited about being here. We’re excited to have him, so the circumstances were just right, uh, for, for all parties involved.”
Kerr also emphasized that while the team is playing at a high level, the work isn’t finished. “It just feels right, and, and we’re capitalizing. And we’re playing at a high level, but we also know that, yeah, we got a lot, lot more work ahead.”. Well thank god the 6x All-Star has fit in the Warriors’ system. Because we know how hard he can be to deal with thanks to the debacle between him and Pat Riley.
Butler’s January 16 sitdown with Heat owner Micky Arison, a missed flight, and a formal disciplinary letter sent via email and FedEx on January 23. The message was clear: any further defiance would lead to harsher consequences. The harsher consequences? Him gasping for breath during his Warriors debut. The Heat suspended him for 9 games in total, which meant that Butler’s fitness took a hit.
Butler’s fallout with Riley was just one of many controversies shaking up the NBA, but while Miami was dealing with its own drama, Kerr was busy calling out a different league-wide issue—traveling violations.
Steve Kerr calls out the refs once again
After Monday’s game against the Hornets, Kerr had enough. Watching LaMelo Ball get away with an obvious travel sent him over the edge. He slammed his stack of papers, stormed over to the scorer’s table, and even pointed at fans who were signaling the missed call. But, as always, the officials turned a blind eye.
“I don’t understand why we are not teaching our officials to call travel in this league,” Kerr vented. “… I see five or six travels a game that aren’t called.”
He’s been on this soapbox for years, and honestly, he’s got a point. Social media is flooded with clips of players blatantly shuffling their feet, taking extra steps, or palming the ball. Everyone sees it—except, apparently, the refs.
“How is it that everybody on earth can see these traveling violations except for the three people that we pay to do the job?” Kerr asked back in 2016.
Feb 3, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr extends his arms on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The league already caters to offensive players, but this? It’s turning basketball into a free-for-all. Kerr has even taken his concerns to Adam Silver, but so far, no action.
“Maybe I’ll hear back from them after these comments,” he said. “But for the good of the game, we need to enforce traveling violations.”
For now, though, it’s business as usual. Until the league decides to crack down, NBA players will keep taking extra steps—both on the court and in getting away with it.
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