With two experienced, battle-tested and savvy veterans, Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler , leading the way, the Golden State Warriors were supposed to return to relevance this season. After their scintillating run in the second half of last season, which saw them capture an outright playoff spot and advance to the second round, fans and analysts were optimistic about the Warriors' chances of making a lot of noise during the 2025-26 season.
However, the only noise being heard so far comes from discussions on how the Dubs can turn their season around. Now sitting at 13-14, the once proud Warriors have more questions than answers at the moment, with the biggest one being what to make of Butler, who hasn't been as impactful as he was when he first arrived in the Bay Area.
According to ESPN's veteran journalist, Ramona Shelbourne, the Warriors must maximize Butler's one-on-one talents, especially when megastar Steph Curry is sitting on the bench.
Jimmy Buckets has proven throughout his career to be a dominant scorer and playmaker. This was never clearer than during the 2022-23 season, when he dragged the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals, knocking off the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the first round along the way.
Last season, Butler's arrival in Golden State sparked the Warriors' turnaround. With his unique blend of scoring, dishing, rebounding and relentless defense, the Warriors reminded the NBA just how good they are with a clear-cut second star. However, this season has been different as Butler hasn't been able to bring his usual energy and production.
In fact, over the Warriors' last three games, Butler is averaging only 16.7 points on 43.7 percent shooting and has become an afterthought in the Warriors' offense late in games, a period in which he usually thrives.
Shelbourne surmised that the Warriors must adjust their offensive schemes, especially when Butler is the head of the snake on the floor.
"When they run their offense, it's this free-flowing, beautiful offense that's designed with Steph Curry in mind," Ramona said on "NBA Today." "But when Steph goes off the court and Jimmy Butler is now your guy — he's the head of the snake — Jimmy Butler needs to play a totally different game."
Following the Warriors' loss to Portland on Sunday night, head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged this, saying he and the team need to be better at recognizing where Butler is at his best.
"That's on me," Kerr said . "But that's also on our players to understand. I can't call a play every time. Nor do I want to. We have to find a way in collaboration to make sure we are playing through Jimmy."
"He needs to play more of an isolation-heavy game. They need to set him up for success. And I think that's what Steve Kerr is talking about there. I like that he owns that, and I actually think there's something they can do there," Ramona continued. "They just need to play a different style of offense when Steph is not on the court and Jimmy is their front."
Another issue the Warriors desperately need resolved is the situation involving promising forward Jonathan Kuminga . A recipient of three straight DNPs (Did Not Play-Coach's Decision), Kuminga's time in Golden State is apparently done, with the team keen on trading him the moment they can, which is on January 15.
"They're still sitting on that Jonathan Kuminga contract. He can't — although 90% of the league can be traded today — he can't be traded until January 15th. He's been sitting on the bench collecting DNPs," Bobby Marks shared.
The Warriors clearly need Kuminga's shotmaking, defense and athleticism. However, Kerr is convinced that his recent poor play and fit with the veterans don't make him worthy of being given minutes anymore.
"Right now, they are who they are until they can figure out where the Kuminga situation is going to go," Marks added.
The Warriors won't be changing their spots any time soon. They have lethal weapons in Curry and Butler. At the same time, their core is also aging and is an ankle sprain away from disaster. That's why the urgency to find answers, sooner and not later, is a key priority for Golden State.
Related: Steph Curry sends powerful message of support to Jonathan Kuminga amid trade talks
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
