Jimmy Butler Shares His Mission to 'Help JK Be Great'

Jimmy Butler has made it clear, he’s in Golden State not just to win, but to mentor.

Following the Warriors’ opening night win over the Lakers, Butler spoke glowingly about Jonathan Kuminga, who started alongside him in the frontcourt and turned heads on both ends of the floor.

“I just wanna help JK be great,” Butler said via 95.7 The Game. “I mean, he’s got so much raw talent, and he’s so aggressive. He’s athletic, he’s super smart, and I’m trying to teach him a little bit of what I see throughout the game. I’ve been kicking it with him, hanging out, watching film, and just working on our game together after practice and before practice. I know how great he wants to be and how great he can be.”

The 23-year-old Kuminga was at the center of trade rumors for much of the offseason, but now looks locked in after Golden State’s decision to keep him long-term.

His performance against Los Angeles, highlighted by several key defensive stops and high-energy plays, was a promising sign that he’s ready to take another leap.

Draymond Green praised Kuminga’s defensive effort against Luka Doncic, saying, “He was guarding Luka all night. And you know Luka—well, he finished with 39, 40, something like that. But it was like we didn’t have to commit two guys… You’re not stopping a great scorer, but you make it tough on him. I think JK was all over him.”

Steve Kerr also had nothing but praise for Kuminga.

“I think he’s really matured, Kerr said, via The Athletic. “He’s had a great camp. We’ve had some really good conversations. I think he has a better understanding of what we need… I’m really proud of him for staying with it and maturing.”