Jimmy Butler, sidelined by an ACL injury, found a novel way to engage with his Golden State Warriors teammates during their 138-87 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. Butler joined the coaching staff on the bench, sporting a white pullover and black joggers, complete with a clipboard.
His primary coaching directive, as captured on camera and reiterated by teammates, was simple: pass the ball to Steph Curry. Butler held up his clipboard with the message clearly written in blue ink, particularly targeting guard De'Anthony Melton when he drove to the basket instead of finding an open Curry.
"All I learned is once you’re on the court with Steph, give Steph the ball. Just get the ball to Steph. That’s the most serious thing he said," rookie Yaxel Lendeborg commented on Butler's coaching advice.
Butler's appearance on the bench was a surprise to his teammates. Lendeborg initially mistook him for a regular staff member until he saw Butler's attire. "I didn’t realize all the coaches wear the same thing until today," Lendeborg said.
Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged Butler's playful mimicry. "He said all the right things. Team fouls. How many team fouls we had. He was really acting the part. But I also realized he was mocking us, so it hurt a little bit," Kerr quipped.
Despite the lightheartedness, Melton expressed a preference for Butler's usual role. "No. Just no," Melton said with a laugh when asked about Butler's coaching debut. "I think he just got fired today, which is actually crazy. I’m happy about that."