When the Golden State Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler, many kept their eyes peeled on how he would get along with Draymond Green. Both have a reputation for not exactly being the most easygoing teammates in the NBA.
However, it appears both of them understand the task at hand now that they’ve joined forces in Golden State. That isn’t a surprise because both are still considered winning players, warts and all.
What Draymond Green Told Jimmy Butler During His Warriors Debut
Any new addition will try to feel a new situation when he plays his first game for a new team. Butler is no different, no matter how good of a player he still is.
His trade to the Warriors marks the first time he’s played for a new team since joining the Miami Heat in 2019. Of course, there will be some growing pains since Butler is playing next to two four-time NBA champions.
While talking with Warriors alum Baron Davis on his personal podcast, Green revealed what he told Butler during his first game with the team.
“(Butler) came to the sideline yesterday, and he had passed up a shot, and he was like, ‘I should have shot that?’ And I said, ‘Brother, let me tell you something: this team don’t need your passing at all. What this team needs is you to score. Like, we need you to go score 25-30 points.
“You’re a great passer like Steph [Curry], so you’re naturally going to see the pass when it’s there, but we need you to think shoot-first, score-first, 25-30 points — that’s what we need you to be.’ He went back out there, foul, bucket, and-one. That’s what we need, bro.”
Butler’s questions make sense because he wants to fit in with the Warriors and hence, doesn’t want to screw up their flow. Green gave him advice that perfectly balanced constructive feedback with praise.
Golden State has fared quite well with Butler to start, and as he settles in, things will likely only improve. What Green says here seems to indicate that everyone understands what needs to be done for the team to succeed.
Again, pairing Green with Butler is risky, knowing their fiery personalities, but so far, so good. If the Warriors want another title in the Stephen Curry era, there must be unity to get it done. Butler clearly wants to thrive on his new team, and Green believes he knows how his new star teammates can do just that.
