After a full summer of preparation, Jimmy Butler has shared his feelings about the Golden State Warriors‘ chances of winning an NBA championship this season. The Warriors have an aging roster despite the star power of Steph Curry, Butler and Draymond Green.
Speaking to Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle, Butler revealed that he spent time together with Curry and Green this offseason. They worked out before training camp, and the former Miami Heat star was feeling “joyful” ahead of his first full season in the Bay Area.
Butler is also feeling confident about the possibility of winning a title despite being in a stacked Western Conference.
“We realize there’s not enough talking in the world. We’re going to have to go out there and produce and get it done. We know that. But we are just so joyful. We’re so happy to be able to compete with one another, and do what we set out to do. Do what I want to do for the first time, win a championship. I smile knowing that it’s a really great chance for us,” Butler said.
Golden State’s offseason made headlines because of Jonathan Kuminga‘s contract situation, but things began taking shape before training camp. The Warriors ended up extending the young forward and signed Al Horford, Gary Payton II, De’Anthony Melton and Seth Curry.
Jimmy Butler Suffered an Ankle Injury Last Week
Health is wealth for the Golden State Warriors, especially after what happened in last season’s playoffs. The Warriors squeaked out of the first round against the Houston Rockets despite an injury to Jimmy Butler.
But in the second round, Steph Curry’s absence was felt as the Warriors were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Butler, in particular, has dealt with a bunch of injuries over the past few seasons.
According to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area, Butler suffered a sprained ankle in practice last Thursday. He was absent from the team’s practices on Friday and Saturday. He was initially ruled out as questionable ahead of Sunday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite the injury, Butler was cleared to play the preseason opener and was even named starter. He played a total of 15 minutes, putting up nine points, four rebounds and two assists in Golden State’s 111-103 win over the Lakers.
Buddy Hield Praises Jimmy Butler for Opening Up His Home
In the same interview with Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle, Buddy Hield appreciated what Jimmy Butler did for the team. Butler welcomed his teammates to his San Diego home to bond ahead of training camp. It was a way to further connect after finishing the regular season 23-8 before falling short in the playoffs.
“What Jimmy did this past week was phenomenal. First of all, inviting people to your house is always iffy but it shows that he’s so welcoming. It was all welcoming, hosting the team at his house, beautiful place. The team camaraderie was so great. It shows his leadership. Bringing everybody together, it was great. I never experienced that in my 10 years in the NBA,” Hield said.
Butler and Hield developed a friendship in their short time together as teammates this offseason. They were already back to their antics at media day, which has been a highlight for the Warriors fanbase.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Jimmy Butler Makes His Feelings Clear on Warriors’ Title Hopes appeared first on Heavy Sports.