SAN FRANCISCO ― Jimmy Butler III is in a rehabilitative state following a torn ACL injury in January that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. He still isn't back.
General manager Mike Dunleavy told reporters during Monday's media day that Butler is doing light court work but won't be available for opening night.
Still, Butler's presence shines a light in the Golden State Warriors locker room. Butler is always good for an annual meme, especially on media day. He stared and smirked at teammate Draymond Green as he was finishing his interview session with media members.
They shared a warm embrace as Green left the podium and Butler took his place. Butler rocked a new haircut and dangling diamond earrings that shone from ear to ear as he shared how
great he felt.
Jimmy Butler injury update
"Rehabbing every day. I'm to a point now where I get to start running a little bit," Butler said. "I can dunk a basketball, in case anybody wants to know. Very excited about that. But it's still a process, but at least I get to play basketball a little bit now, and I know that all the work that I have been putting in, it's starting to get to basketball."
A vulnerable Butler shared how tough the process has been for him, not being able to play the game he loves.
"I think it's difficult to me because I do love to play basketball, and I know that I will return still being able to play at a high level, but I want to hoop now. I wanted to hoop two months ago, three months ago," Butler said. "I want to go out there and compete with my guys, with Dray, be Robin again to Steph's Batman. I know I will be able to do that at an incredibly high level, but I just miss the game. I miss not being around my guys. So any time I get to be around them and laugh, joke, compete in ways that I can't compete, it's all a plus for me."
Jimmy Butler on missing the game
Being around the guys is infectious. Butler knows that his personality can bring up their spirits. He relishes that aspect of being a favored teammate.
"Probably just being very vocal and just being around the guys. Honestly, I think it's more about the smiling, even when it's not going the way that we would want it to go, it's still okay to have fun and to smile," Butler said. "I'm coming back from an ACL. I'm smiling, I'm happy. I get to be around these guys, some of the greatest players of all time, phenomenal organization. It's never all bad. I'm not going to sit here and say it's all good either."
"I think my main job is going to be like, hey, guys, I can't go out there and play with you individuals, but that doesn't mean that this is a bad day," he added. "You know, I still get to be around y'all. I still get to call myself an NBA player. So as bad as things might seem, I promise you, it's definitely not that bad."
He's not listening to any naysayers. He knows he's 37. He doesn't care, nor listen to what critics say about him recovering from injury and returning to the player he once was.
"I am confident that whenever I come back, I'll be more than ready, I'll be more than healthy, and I'll be more of a better player, all-around player than I was whenever I went down," Butler said.
He doesn't have a target but simply said, "when it's time, it's time".
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jimmy Butler injury update: Warriors star opens up, 'I just miss the game'
