{"id":111892,"date":"2024-12-13T07:02:48","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T12:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=111892"},"modified":"2024-12-13T07:02:48","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T12:02:48","slug":"jimmy-butler-draymond-green-on-warriors-could-be-scary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/12\/13\/jimmy-butler-draymond-green-on-warriors-could-be-scary\/","title":{"rendered":"Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green on the Warriors Could be Scary"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/butleji01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-12-13_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jimmy Butler<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to the Warriors? <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is news that many teams around the league would dread. Recently, <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/12\/10\/contenders-heat-jimmy-butler-trade\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">numerous rumors<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> have been circulating about the future of the Miami Heat&#8217;s star forward. It seems that &#8216;The Godfather,&#8217; <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rileypa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-12-13_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pat Riley<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, plans to implement a <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">major<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">One team that has emerged as front runners to land Jimmy Buckets is the Golden State Warriors. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">According to reports, the six-time All-Star has a list of preferences, with the Bay Area being one of them, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">who<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">have<\/span> been<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> wanting to pair a star player alongside <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/curryst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-12-13_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Stephen Curry <\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">for a long time now.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The Golden State Warriors are reportedly among the preferred destinations for Jimmy Butler. But should they pursue him and what would they have to give up?<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what the Warriors should consider regarding a prospective trade for Butler: <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/DArXCed6yD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/DArXCed6yD<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sfchronicle\/status\/1867456697633055154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 13, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">However, pairing Butler alongside <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/greendr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-12-13_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Draymond Green<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> would make the Warriors one of the most feared teams. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The two defensive savants are known for their bold demeanor and competitive zeal <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">that<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> has landed them on the wrong side of things <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">as well<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span> Nonetheless, the two have a lot to offer.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green on the Warriors Could be Scary<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">No doubt<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, Butler would give <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/20\/golden-state-warriors-stephen-curry-reveals-only-thing-playing\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Curry a lot of aid<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, especially on the offensive end.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> On the other hand, the Heat forward&#8217;s combination with Draymond would make the Dubs a somewhat version of the Bad Boys Pistons (albeit not quite on that level). At the same time, <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kerrst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-12-13_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Steve Kerr<\/span><\/a> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">would need to<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> maintain a balance in the locker room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Known to wear their hearts on their sleeves, both Butler and Green bring the old-school-like physical mentality. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The two multiple-time All-Stars <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">are blessed<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> with<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> high basketball IQs, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">evident<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> from their playmaking skills.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> They also serve as locker-room leaders for their respective sides.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Currently, averaging 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7assists, and 1.2 steals on 55.0% shooting from the field, Butler has a decent mid-range and can score the ball in a variety of ways too<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Nicknamed \u2018Playoff Jimmy\u2019, he ranks third behind <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wadedw01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-12-13_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dwyane Wade<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jamesle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-12-13_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">LeBron James<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> in the Miami franchise&#8217;s history of most points scored in the playoffs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Can Jimmy Butler Turn the Tide for the Warriors?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">While the Warriors have surprised many with their performance this season (at least to begin the season), a trip to the Finals looks far from achieving. Owner Joe Lacob and management need to provide Curry with some assistance. Hence, onboarding Butler will serve as the perfect recipe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The 35-year-old forward would be a solid plus on both ends of the floor. Currently ranked fourth in defensive rating, having Jimmy Buckets alongside Draymond and <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/paytoga02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Gary Payton<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> II would further strengthen their lockdown defending abilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">big-time scorer, especially during the postseason, Butler helps ease the<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">load on<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0Curry.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> We continue to witness the opposition deploy multiple double-teams on the four-time champion <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">even<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> though it means leaving one player open.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A Look at Playoff Jimmy&#8217;s Stat Line<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">During his four postseasons in Miami so far, the 2014-15 Most Improved Player has averaged 24.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.9 steals, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">which includes two NBA Finals appearances as well<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Butler has recorded eight games with at least 40 points in his 64 playoff games for the Heat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Having a 37-27 playoff record with his current team, the Texas native has always stepped up when <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the need arose<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Nonetheless, his missing time due to injuries has been a cause of concern, especially for GM Riley, who had even <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/barstoolsports\/status\/1787541075898552802\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">expressed his dismay<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> when Butler <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">who<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> was out with an MCL <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">sprain in the 2024 playoffs<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> took shots at the Boston Celtics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jimmy Butler to the Warriors? This is news that many teams around the league would dread. Recently, numerous rumors have been circulating about the future of the Miami Heat&#8217;s star forward. It seems that &#8216;The Godfather,&#8217; Pat Riley, plans to implement a major change. One team that has emerged as front runners to land Jimmy [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5398,"featured_media":111921,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1608,25,16],"tags":[49569,409,142],"class_list":["post-111892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba","category-basketball","category-warriors","category-heat","tag-all-defense","tag-draymond-green","tag-jimmy-butler"],"modified_by":"Kenny Kluska","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111892","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5398"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=111892"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111892\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":111920,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111892\/revisions\/111920"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/111921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=111892"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=111892"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=111892"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}