Joe Lacob Reveals His Straightforward Expectations For Jimmy Butler Upon Return

Joe Lacob reveals his straightforward expectations for Jimmy Butler upon return originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors are holding on to the final years of a tremendous stretch. If they want any chance of competing deep into the NBA playoffs, Batman will need Robin.

Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler are the one-two punch that led Golden State to the second round of the Western Conference semifinals two years ago. Butler is coming off a torn ACL, and owner Joe Lacob has blunt expectations for when he returns to the court.

“My guess is he’ll come back and be pretty damn good,” Lacob said, “because he’s Jimmy Damn Butler and he works hard.”

It’s been nearly nine months since Butler’s knee injury, and he has been recovering well. Butler sat down with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke in Hawaii during training camp for an update.

“I’ve started to run,” Butler stated. “I can dunk. I probably shouldn’t be doing that, but I can.”

Butler’s eagerness to get back on the floor is no surprise. His competitive spirit has never been a concern with every team he’s played for.

“I’m moving in the right direction,” Butler continued. “I’m also moving at a faster pace. I’m stoked. I’m excited about it because now I’m starting to see the progressions that are leading me back to the basketball court.”

Since his time with the Warriors, Butler is averaging 19.1 points along with 5.5 rebounds per game. His stats are great, but his impact is felt more than numbers can quantify.

If the Warriors are able to get Butler back sometime near the All-Star break, that would be a positive. Down the stretch of the regular season is when competition will pick up in the West.

One thing is for certain: Lacob expects Butler to ball out.

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