Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler has confirmed he will play in a G League contest against the Santa Cruz Warriors as part of his return-to-play protocol. Speaking with The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, Butler stated his intention to compete in the NBA’s minor league affiliate to regain game rhythm following his injury. “I’m definitely coming down there to play,” Butler said. “So good luck to everybody. Y’ain’t gonna get too many minutes out of me, but I’m definitely going down there. I want to hoop.”
Warriors star targets minor league action to sharpen skills after ACL recovery
Butler suffered a torn ACL on January 19, a setback that typically mandates a year-long recovery period. However, the veteran has accelerated his rehabilitation timeline, ramping up physical activity in recent weeks to prepare for his return. While the G League stint is designed to test his durability and timing in a low-stakes environment, the move has already sparked internal friction. Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy, Butler’s former teammate with the Chicago Bulls, is reportedly the primary skeptic within the organization regarding the wisdom of exposing the star to competitive contact so soon.
The announcement also drew sharp criticism from Butler’s agent, Bernard Lee, who took to social media to confront Friedell for breaking the story. “Nick…you had to give this table legs huh?” Lee wrote on X. “I’m going to hit you with one of them when I see you.” Despite the professional dispute over the reporting, Butler’s commitment to playing in Santa Cruz signals a confident approach to his comeback, prioritizing competitive minutes over extended rest.
Source: Yahoo Sports
