The Golden State Warriors are off to a pretty hot start this season, and there is no denying that. The most surprising part is that few people expected this kind of start heading into the season, especially after the team opened 0-3.
The Warriors have managed to put together this start without veteran Jimmy Butler, who is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered last season. While nothing has been confirmed regarding an exact return date, mid-January is believed to be a potential target.
“The Warriors are 46-22 (.676) in the regular season when Butler’s been in uniform since his arrival at the 2025 trade deadline, which is an important number to keep in mind if he’s back from his ACL tear by mid-January. That’s right at the mid-point of the schedule, which is probably a little ahead of most expectations,” San Francisco’s Standard’s Tim Kawakami wrote.
However, Butler has already admitted that he and the organization have a target date in mind. They are just keeping that information private for now.
I know [an exact target date],” Butler said. “We know. Y’all just find out whenever y’all find out.”
There has also been plenty of planning behind Butler’s comeback. The veteran forward has already made it clear that he plans to spend time with the Warriors’ G League affiliate once he is healthy enough to return.
“I’m definitely coming down (to Santa Cruz) to play. So good luck to everybody. Y’all ain’t gonna get too many minutes out of me, but I’m definitely going down there. I want to hoop,” he said.
Although much of the information surrounding Butler’s ACL recovery remains unknown publicly, it certainly seems like there is plenty happening behind the scenes. Butler knows when he is likely to return, and he also knows that he will spend time ramping up with the G League before rejoining the Warriors.
The organization appears to have a plan in place, and Butler seems committed to following it. Golden State can’t wait to have Butler back, but his return will be a strategic process.
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