It didn’t take long for Jimmy Butler to destroy Warriors trade skeptics once again

The Golden State Warriors they are labeled as too old, and fans and the media agree that the dynasty is already over. Stephen Curry and crew might have something to say about that, especially since they have Jimmy Butler.

Butler was added before the trade deadline last year in a polarizing move. The six-time All-Star caused a lot of turmoil during his time with the Miami Heat after requesting a trade, but proved to be a good fit when he joined the Warriors. Butler is still proving the skeptics wrong, and his skill set was exposed in the Warriors opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jimmy Butler keeps proving he’s a great fit for the Warriors

The Warriors went from vulnerable and missing the playoffs last season to a team that won a playoff series when Butler joined the team. Butler is not your typical superstar in the sense that he does all the dirty work. He doesn’t need to score high to make an impact on the game. He is a great rebounder, plays elite defense and is a solid playmaker. Butler always plays with intensity and effort.

But Butler can certainly score when needed. This was seen in the first game of the season. Butler led all Golden State scorers with 31 points. He was 16-for-16 from the charity stripe, and his ability to draw contact and make free throws may be his biggest contribution to the team. After all, Curry has never shot as many free throws as many other superstars around the league, and Draymond Green is clearly limited when it comes to self-creation and overall scoring.

Butler helped lead the Warriors to a 119-109 victory in a game that saw Luka Doncic leave the Lakers, and his performance should give the Warriors more hope that their title window is still open. With Steve Kerr coaching the team, the Warriors have won four championships and should not be written off just yet. After all, their last championship was a surprise for many. The Western Conference is full, but young teams like the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs are still finding their way.

Butler seems like the missing piece, and it makes sense because the Marquette product does a little bit of everything. Golden State’s core is old and doesn’t have much time left in the league, but that should only motivate them to have another great season.