Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr compared Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green to NBA legends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
The defensive connection Butler and Green have reminds Kerr of Jordan and Pippen.
“Pippen and Jordan,” Kerr told ESPN. “Just incredible intelligence and athleticism combined with versatility. There’s definitely some of that.”
The Warriors acquired Butler from the Miami Heat and have gone 16-3 with the All-Star in the lineup.
Butler and Green, two of the best defenders in the NBA, have a strong bond, both on and off the court.
“We got a lot in common with kids, our love for basketball,” Butler said. “Small town individuals that happen to end up on a big-time college basketball squad, late draft picks that have overcome everything to become who they are today. That’s what those conversations are and I just appreciate it. I shed grace on everybody that just wants to sit here and s— on Jimmy Butler III and talk. But it’s because you don’t know what I’m doing. Nobody does. [And] Draymond ain’t no f—ing a–hole. I knew it though. … It’s like, ‘Bro, nah, you just a winner. You’re a truth teller.’ And people don’t like that.”
Green has won four championships with the Warriors, while Butler is still looking to win his first title.
With Green, Butler and Stephen Curry leading the way, Golden State looks like a legitimate championship contender again.
The Warriors are 41-30. They are 10th in the NBA in net rating.
“Two winners that would do anything to win,” Butler told ESPN of his relationship with Green. “He could care less about personal success. He’s just trying to win a championship. I just want to win. I don’t give a f— about nothing else. We ain’t going to never butt no motherf—ing heads. … That’s what people keep overlooking. They think like we going to get in fist fights. No we not. Because all we want to do is win.”
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
