Jimmy Butler sends a warning to the NBA before his return: "You are going to be very surprised"

Jimmy Butler has not forgotten what happened in January 2026. The tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee prematurely ended his season and left the Golden State Warriors without one of their main offensive references at a crucial moment of the year. Now, as he works to return to the court, the veteran forward has a message for those who doubt his ability to compete at the highest level again.

The American player approaches his sixteenth season in the NBA with special motivation. Butler feels that he could not respond as expected to the trust that the San Francisco franchise placed in him when they acquired him via trade during the 2024-2025 season. Therefore, his return represents not only a physical challenge but also an opportunity to demonstrate that the Warriors' gamble can still pay off.

In an interview with Anthony Slater from ESPN, Butler admitted that the injury made him feel like he had let down some of the most important figures in the organization. "I really felt like I disappointed Steph Curry. I disappointed Draymond Green. I disappointed Steve Kerr. Because they believed in me," the player explained.

An injury that changed Golden State's plans

Butler's importance to the Warriors became particularly evident after his injury. Before getting hurt, the forward was having a standout season, averaging 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Moreover, he was shooting 38% from three-point range, with 85 attempts from that distance.

His contribution provided Golden State with a crucial offensive alternative around Stephen Curry and a competitive presence that Steve Kerr deemed essential for the team's aspirations. However, the injury forced the Warriors to face the critical stretch of the schedule without one of their most impactful players.

The results reflected the franchise's difficulties. Without Butler, Golden State finished the regular season with a record of 12 wins and 26 losses, which led them to qualify for the play-in tournament as the tenth seed in the Western Conference.

The Warriors managed to overcome the Los Angeles Clippers to keep their playoff hopes alive, but their run ended against the Phoenix Suns, who eliminated them with a decisive victory. A farewell that reinforced the feeling that the team had lost an important piece just when they needed his experience and ability to compete under pressure the most.

"You are going to be very surprised when I return"

Butler also wanted to defend his image against those who believe that his return after such a serious injury could leave him far from his best version. The American assured that external opinions do not always reflect what he can contribute to a team, especially when they come from people who do not know his way of working.

"If you don't know me and haven't been around me, you don't know what I'm capable of, by the things you can read and hear," he stated to Slater.

Although he did not want to reveal a specific date for his return during training camp, Butler made it clear that both he and the Warriors have a timeline for his recovery. "I know. We know. You'll find out when you find out," he replied when asked about when he would return to play.

Forecasts suggest he could reappear in January or February, though his availability will depend on how his recovery progresses. The goal will be to return in a competitive condition and help the Warriors fight for one last chance to win the championship with the core led by Curry.

Butler himself raised expectations with a statement that combined his usual challenging nature with a warning directed at his critics. "That's why I say you are going to be very surprised if you think I'm going to come back as a mediocre player," he noted.

Kerr acknowledges how much they missed his character

In Golden State, they also do not hide the influence Butler has beyond his statistics. Steve Kerr highlighted that his presence conveys confidence to the rest of the team and brings a competitive personality that is hard to replace.

"He is a true leader. Everyone feels very secure when he is on the court. There is a confidence and attitude you have when Jimmy is on your team. That's why we felt we lost all of that suddenly," the coach explained.

The recovery of the forward will therefore be one of the factors that can shape the Warriors' trajectory during the 2026-2027 season. The franchise needs to recover players and find the necessary consistency to compete in the West, while Curry remains the main reference of the project.

For Butler, the challenge also has a personal component. At 37, he wants to prove that the injury has not ended his ability to influence games and keeps the possibility of winning the championship that still eludes him open.

The Warriors will begin the 2026-2027 season on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Butler will not be available from the start, but he has already made it clear that he does not intend to return just to occupy a spot in the rotation. His intention is to be a decisive player again and give Golden State a new chance to fight for the championship.