Jimmy Butler says his recovery testing is encouraging, but the Warriors still have no announced timetable for his return from a torn ACL.
Jimmy Butler offered the Golden State Warriors an encouraging update Monday while making clear that his return to basketball remains a work in progress.
At the team’s Media Day, Butler expressed confidence in his rehabilitation from a torn right ACL. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the veteran forward said his testing results have reinforced his belief that he is progressing well.
“My numbers are staggering, they’re off the charts. I’m ahead, so they say,” Butler said.
The comments give Golden State reason for optimism, but they do not establish a return date. Butler remains unavailable for the start of the season, and the Warriors have not announced when he will be cleared to play.
For a team counting on his scoring, decision-making and defensive presence, the distinction between encouraging progress and game readiness matters.
Butler Is Back to Some Basketball Activities
Butler said he has started running a little and can dunk again as his rehabilitation gradually incorporates more basketball work. Those developments have helped him reconnect with the activity he has missed since suffering the injury in January.
General manager Mike Dunleavy described Butler and fellow injured wing Moses Moody as progressing well while participating in very light on-court activities. Both players will accompany the Warriors to training camp in Hawaii as they continue their recoveries.
Butler, who turned 37 this month, remains confident that he can return as an effective player. He also credited the organization for keeping him from skipping steps in the rehabilitation process.
He had surgery in early February and still has additional checkpoints to meet before returning. His optimism therefore reflects how he feels about his progress rather than an announcement that he is approaching immediate clearance.
The next meaningful updates will concern his ability to handle more demanding basketball activity and eventually rejoin team practices. Until then, Golden State must prepare to play without him.
Warriors Must Stay Competitive Without Him
Before the injury, Butler averaged 20 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists last season. His ability to attack the basket, create free-throw opportunities and make decisions gave the Warriors another dependable offensive option.
His absence places greater pressure on Stephen Curry and the available supporting players to generate quality possessions. It also removes an experienced wing capable of contributing on both ends.
Golden State’s availability concerns extend beyond Butler. Moody is recovering from knee surgery, while Kristaps Porziņģis is out indefinitely with a health issue and will not travel to Hawaii for the start of camp.
Those absences make the opening stretch important. The Warriors need enough production from their available roster to remain competitive while their injured players recover.
Butler can still contribute through communication and his presence around teammates. He recently hosted a players-only minicamp in San Diego, maintaining his involvement despite being unable to participate fully.
His update is positive, particularly because he is doing more basketball work. The larger question remains when that progress will translate into availability and how effectively he can perform once he returns.
For now, the Warriors have an encouraged star and an unresolved timeline.
