Warriors Plus Minus: A show about the Golden State Warriors Butler Tears ACL, What Now?
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Jan 20, 2026 Tim and Marcus dive into the shocking ACL injury of Jimmy Butler and its implications for the team. They debate whether the Warriors should tank or aim for the playoffs. A discussion on potential trade targets like Jaren Jackson and Ja Morant gets heated, weighing their fit alongside Steph and Draymond. They also explore the challenges of the second unit without Butler and speculate on lineup shifts. Historical comparisons of injuries highlight the stakes for the franchise. Expect strategies for navigating a season turned upside down!
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Butler Injury Shifts Team Outlook
- Jimmy Butler's ACL essentially removes the Warriors' best isolation scorer and late-game closer.
- That downgrade likely shifts Golden State from legit title contender to a middle-ground team fighting for play-in positioning.
Avoid Full Tanking; Take Middle Ground
- Don't rush into tanking; the Warriors still have Steph and can play meaningful basketball.
- Pursue a middle-ground plan: try to improve the roster without mortgaging all future draft capital.
Initial Doubts About Acquiring Butler
- Marcus recalls widespread doubt about Butler before the trade due to his Miami situation and durability questions.
- Tim notes the move paid off for almost a full season despite earlier skepticism.