Jimmy Butler still has a long road ahead before he can return to the Warriors. Yet being sidelined has not stopped him from staying involved. The veteran forward is currently with Golden State in Hawaii as he continues his rehab from a torn ACL.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
The injury has kept Butler away from the court for months. But he has refused to become a distant presence around the team. Recently, head coach Steve Kerr also appreciated this quality of Jimmy Butler. Still, according to Warriors insider Nick Friedell, watching Butler remain sidelined has been particularly difficult for the veteran forward.
“It is absolutely killing Jimmy Butler that he’s not out there and he’s here, I mean he’s in Hawaii,” Nick Friedell said on the Warriors Plus Minus show. Friedell described Butler as someone who is still fully engaged with the team despite being unable to play.
“He’s getting his rehab in. Armando Rivas, who has been his personal trainer for years dating back to Chicago, he’s with Jimmy. Jimmy is getting every workout in he can possibly get, then he’s going to practice, and he’s trying to be there for his teammates, but I watched him during that scrimmage and he just couldn’t stop moving. He was everywhere. He was all over the floor. He was shooting baskets on the side. He was talking to guys.”
The Warriors insider provided that glimpse into Butler’s mindset. Plus, he noted how difficult it has been for the 37-year-old to watch from the sidelines. Jimmy Butler may not be able to play yet, but he is still finding ways to contribute. That was clear during one of Steve Kerr’s familiar practice rituals.
On the opening day of practice, the Warriors’ head coach made his players shoot free throws in front of the entire team. A miss means everyone runs. It is a simple drill, but it adds pressure to the moment. This year, Kerr gave the rookies another role. They could choose the player who would take the free throws.
“One of the rookies picked Jimmy (Butler), and Jimmy was like, ‘Hell yeah, I’ll shoot those free throws!’” Butler gladly stepped up despite still being in the middle of his rehab. “Knocked two of them down,” Kerr said with a smile. “Walked off. The swagger that Jimmy has …”
The moment offered another reminder of Jimmy Butler’s personality. He remains eager to compete, even when he cannot suit up for a game. Golden State even shared footage of the six-time All-Star on social media. The veteran forward was seen knocking down corner threes during his rehab. It is another positive sign as he works his way back.
Jimmy Butler’s recent injury history makes the process even more significant. He has appeared in only 68 games across the past two seasons. Last season, he averaged 20 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Before the ACL injury, the 37-year-old was shooting 51.9% from the field while averaging 20 points and 7.6 free-throw attempts per game. His physical style remains a major part of his game, and he does not intend to abandon it upon his return.
Butler suffered the injury against the Miami Heat on January 19. He underwent surgery in early February. Nearly eight months later, he is still working through the checkpoints required before he can return. He did not seem disappointed about his recovery at Media Day.
“My numbers are staggering, they’re off the charts. I’m ahead, so they say,” Jimmy Butler said.
He is still unavailable to begin the season, and the Warriors have not provided a firm timetable for his return. For now, his work remains focused on the next step.
Moses Moody is also working his way back after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee on March 23. Both players have started limited on-court work, including shooting, dribbling and running.
Jimmy Butler is entering the final year of his current contract. That adds another layer to the season ahead. His availability could become an important factor for Golden State as the year unfolds. The Warriors will have to manage his workload carefully once he receives clearance, especially after such a lengthy absence.
Until then, Butler’s priority remains getting back to full strength. His presence with the team helps him stay connected while he waits for the green light.