Jimmy Butler has a message for anyone questioning whether he can return to his previous form after suffering a torn ACL.
The Golden State Warriors star is continuing his recovery from the season-ending knee injury he suffered in January, but he remains confident that his best basketball days are not behind him.
In an interview with ESPN's Anthony Slater published Friday, Butler opened up about the emotional impact of his injury, his relationship with Stephen Curry and his determination to return to the court. The six-time All-Star also acknowledged that one of the most difficult parts of the experience was feeling that he had disappointed his teammates.
"I really felt like I let Steph down," Butler told ESPN.
Butler explained that Curry, Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr had embraced him after Golden State acquired him from the Miami Heat in February 2025. He believed the team had an opportunity to compete for another championship before his injury changed everything.
The Warriors were beginning to find their rhythm when Butler suffered his injury during a January matchup against his former team.
Golden State had won 11 of its previous 15 games, with Butler averaging 21 points, five rebounds and five assists during that stretch. His strong play had been a major factor in the team's turnaround, helping the Warriors overcome a difficult start to the season and regain momentum in the Western Conference playoff race.
However, Butler's injury immediately changed the organization's outlook.
The veteran forward suffered a torn ACL in his right knee after landing awkwardly while attempting to catch a pass near the basket. He required assistance leaving the court and was later ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Without Butler, Golden State struggled to maintain its momentum.
The Warriors finished 12-26 following his injury, with Curry also missing significant time because of a knee issue.
What initially appeared to be another opportunity for Golden State to compete for a championship quickly became a disappointing season.
Now, Butler is focused on changing that narrative.
According to Slater, the 37-year-old has made encouraging progress in his rehabilitation, although several important steps remain before he can return to NBA competition.
Butler has resumed individual basketball activities, but he has not yet been cleared for full participation. One of the next challenges involves demonstrating that he can jump and land at game speed without discomfort or hesitation.
The current expectation within the organization is that Butler could return sometime between January and February, although that timeline remains tentative.
Kerr believes the Warriors can position themselves for a stronger second half if they remain competitive while Butler continues recovering.
The coach told ESPN that Golden State is approaching this season with the possibility of adding Butler back to the lineup as the playoffs approach. That outlook places considerable importance on the team's performance during the opening months.
For Curry, the potential return represents another opportunity to compete alongside a player who helped transform the Warriors after arriving from Miami. The four-time NBA champion remains optimistic that Golden State can rediscover the success it enjoyed when Butler first joined the organization.
Butler shares that belief.
Despite the severity of his injury and questions surrounding his age, the veteran has made it clear that he does not expect to return as a diminished player. He remains confident in his ability to score, draw fouls, create opportunities for teammates and command attention from opposing defenses.
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Butler also told ESPN that his motivation extends beyond proving his critics wrong.
He wants to help Curry and Green pursue another championship while capturing the first title of his own career.
For Golden State, that ambition could become an important part of its plans as the organization attempts to maximize the remaining years of Curry's career.
There is still uncertainty surrounding Butler's recovery, and the Warriors will have to navigate the early portion of the season without one of their most important players.
But Butler believes he still has plenty to contribute.
After watching injuries derail Golden State's championship hopes last season, he is determined to make sure his next opportunity ends differently.