The Golden State Warriors are in the thick of a season defined by experimentation-and a fair share of recalibration. At the center of it all are two veterans with championship pedigrees: Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. But despite their basketball IQ and competitive fire, the numbers suggest that when these two are on the floor together, the results haven’t exactly been golden.
Since their last small-ball start on December 2, lineups featuring both Butler and Green have posted a net rating of -24.2 over 51 minutes. That's not just a hiccup-that’s a red flag. When you’re getting outscored by that margin in such a small sample, it’s a sign that the chemistry or spacing-or both-just aren’t clicking the way they need to.
The issue? It’s less about individual talent and more about fit.
Butler and Green are both non-shooting forwards who thrive with the ball in their hands and do their best work defensively and as playmakers. Put them together without the right supporting cast, and the offense can grind to a halt.
Stephen Curry, never one to sugarcoat the truth, laid it out clearly when asked about the team’s ongoing lineup tinkering.
“I think (coach Steve Kerr) will continue to try to figure out the right combinations,” Curry said. “Me, Jimmy and Draymond can play together because we know each other so well. But the other two spots matter.”
Curry pointed to a key ingredient that’s been missing: spacing. When Butler is surrounded by shooters and secondary playmakers-similar to how he was deployed during his peak years in Miami-the floor opens up, and his ability to drive, draw defenders, and facilitate becomes much more dangerous.
“Jimmy with shooting is kind of reflective of when he was at his best in Miami,” Curry added. “We just have to understand what we’re trying to do with whoever is on the floor.”
That’s the challenge Kerr and his staff are facing-how to optimize each piece of this veteran-heavy roster without sacrificing flow or defensive identity.
Draymond’s Defensive Load Is Adding Up
It’s not just the lineups that are under the microscope-so is Draymond Green’s role. According to ESPN’s Marc J.
Spears, Green has grown increasingly frustrated with being tasked to guard larger, more physical centers night after night. And that frustration might be more than just mental-it could be physical wear and tear catching up with him.
“I’m hearing that Draymond’s a little frustrated with having to guard guys who are 40 to 50 pounds heavier than him every night,” Spears said on NBA Today.
That’s a tall order for any player, especially one who’s been the defensive backbone of the Warriors for over a decade. Golden State hoped to alleviate some of that burden by signing Al Horford in the offseason, giving them a reliable veteran big to soak up minutes in the frontcourt. But Horford’s availability has been limited-just 13 games played so far-leaving Green to shoulder the load once again.
Time to Adjust Expectations?
While Green’s recent ejection and heated exchange with Kerr drew plenty of headlines, some around the league believe the real issue isn’t about emotions-it’s about evolution.
Nick Friedell of The Athletic argues that the Warriors need to come to terms with a hard truth: Draymond Green isn’t the same player he was during the dynasty’s peak. That doesn’t mean he’s not valuable-he still brings elite defensive instincts, unmatched communication, and leadership-but expecting him to anchor every lineup or defend every mismatch like it’s 2017 is no longer realistic.
The path forward? Lean into what Green still does exceptionally well.
Use his defensive versatility in selective matchups. Let him quarterback the defense and facilitate from the elbow.
But surround him-and Butler-with the kind of floor-spacing and shooting that allows the offense to breathe.
This version of the Warriors is still searching for its identity. The pieces are there.
The pedigree is undeniable. But if they’re going to make a real push, especially in a loaded Western Conference, they’ll need to find combinations that work-and fast.
Because in today’s NBA, reputation alone doesn’t win games. Fit does.