Warriors Insider Delivers Reality on Jimmy Butler’s Frust...

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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Jimmy Butler doesn’t hold back.

The Golden State Warriors are out of the honeymoon phase with last year’s blockbuster addition, and they are seeing the veteran star’s straightforward approach play out in real time as the Warriors are off to an underwhelming start.

Is Golden State already reaching disgruntled territory with Butler? Not quite. According to the Warriors insider Nick Friedell, Butler isn’t “disgruntled, as much as he's just being honest that he's pissed."

Don’t Panic—But Pay Attention

When Butler speaks, it’s best to listen. He won’t filter his thoughts, and while that can lead to confusion about whether he’s still sold on his situation within an organization or not, he has stated the obvious about the Warriors.

“We don’t box out. We don’t go with the scouting report. We let anybody do whatever they want. Open shots, get into the paint, free throws,” Butler told reporters after last week’s loss against the Houston Rockets. “It’s just sad.”

When Butler elaborated on the factors frustrating him, he made it clear not to blame the Warriors’ coaches, as it’s on the players to execute on the court.

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“They write everything up there for us to do, and they put us in the position to be successful,” Butler added.

“We go over the day before and the day of, we've got to go out there and execute, man. Don’t listen to Steve when he says, ‘This is on me, and I got to be better.’ Nah, it’s on the guys around this locker room.”

During Butler’s 30-game stretch with the Warriors last season, he averaged 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. In his first 20 games this year, he is producing averages of 19.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.

Considering the Warriors have had championship goals from the jump, Butler’s frustrations likely aren’t any different from anybody else. Considering his past, there will always be concerns surrounding the multi-time All-Star when he voices his disappointment, but the reality is that Butler has not reached a level of disgruntlement.

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