There is still no definite schedule Warriors a star Jimmy Butler to return from a torn ACL in his right knee, but he has decided to make the G League part of his rehab process, according to Nick Friedel of The Athletic. Butler wants to play at least one game for the team’s Santa Cruz affiliate before returning to the NBA, similar to how injured baseball players often rehabilitate in the minor leagues.
“Well, you’ll get a chance to come to Santa Cruz,” Butler said. “Because I’m definitely going to go there to play. So good luck to everybody. You’re not going to get too many minutes from me, but I’m definitely going to go there. I want to play.”
coach Steve Kerr is enthusiastic about the idea, saying it makes sense as a way to get used to competing again after a long layoff, but that most NBA players are “too vain” to consider it. In recent years, workouts with G League teams have become more common, but few of the NBA’s rotation players have participated in actual games. Butler decided it was the right move, though it might be harder to convince the general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr
“I don’t have to deal with anyone” Butler said. “I’m going. Mike and I will fistfight. He’ll be like, ‘Jimmy, no.’ I’ll be like, ‘Mike, yeah.’ I’m going to the G League, baby!’ You all know where to find me. Santa Cruz, baby.”
There are more from the Pacific Division:
- The necklaces center Damantas Sabonis said injuries weren’t a factor in his scoreless performance Tuesday against Orlando, telling reporters he’s “100%” Jonny Askovnis of Eurohoops. Sabonis also discussed the impact of another losing season with Sacramento, which started 1-10. “It sucks. None of us want to be here, in terms of losing,” You got it from Sabonis. “Just seeing this team lose sucks. It hurts. You want to get it back and play good basketball. I feel like we already know we just have to put 48 minutes together.”
- Jalen Green was not in The sun‘ final lineup during Thursday’s win over Charlotte, writes Dwayne Rankin of the Arizona Republic. Green sat out the entire fourth quarter as a coach Jordan Ott decided to rely on Jordan Goodwin, Colin Gillespie and Luke Kennard. “Whatever it takes to win” Green said after the game. “My number was not called in the fourth.”
- Brandon Ingram played another game of “Be Ready” as he nears his return from a partially torn Achilles tendonbut Clippers coach Tyrone Lue he said and Yannick Conan Niederhauser both will miss tonight’s NBA Cup game against Oklahoma City (Link to video on Twitter by Law Murray of The Athletic). Bradley Bealwho hasn’t played in over a year, still has knee problems, adds Murray (Link to Twitter). “Every time we put him on the field to do something three days in a row, it seems like a bad result.” Liu said.