The Golden State Warriors find themselves at another turning point. With Stephen Curry still leading the charge, the franchise continues to search for a reliable second scoring option someone who can relieve pressure from their 37-year-old superstar. But according to former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, Jimmy Butler is not that player.
In a recent discussion, Arenas argued that Butler’s “team-first” mentality, while admirable, doesn’t fit the mold of a consistent second option in Golden State’s offense. He believes Butler thrives as a facilitator, a tone-setter, and a leader but not as a high-volume scorer. To Arenas, the real issue isn’t Butler’s talent but his approach.
“Jimmy’s averaging 17.9 points on just over 11 shots a night,” Arenas pointed out. “That’s not second-option behavior. That’s a guy making sure everyone eats before he does.”
Butler’s unselfishness, which became his trademark in Miami, may not translate as effectively alongside Curry’s heavy usage.
Butler’s Numbers Tell a Complex Story
Butler’s 2024–25 season with the Warriors showcased both his efficiency and restraint. In 30 games, he averaged 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 47.6 percent from the field. Those numbers are strong on paper, but his 11.13 shot attempts per game reveal a player who often deferred to others. His 27.9 percent from three also limited his off-ball threat, something crucial in Golden State’s spacing-heavy system.
Supporters of Butler argue that his presence brings intangibles leadership, composure, and defensive intensity. His playmaking keeps the ball moving, and his experience gives the team structure. Yet, as Arenas emphasized, championships aren’t won by balance alone. They’re won by assertiveness.
When Curry struggles or draws double teams, the Warriors need someone willing to attack, create, and score not someone waiting to make the “right” play.
The Case for Kuminga and Hield
Arenas believes the solution lies in the Warriors’ supporting cast — specifically Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
Kuminga, just 22 years old, has shown flashes of star potential. In 47 games, he averaged 15.3 points on 45.4 percent shooting while attempting about 12 shots per game. His athleticism, strength, and ability to finish at the rim make him one of the few Warriors capable of creating his own shot. Yet, inconsistency has plagued him. At times, he disappears within the flow of Golden State’s motion-heavy offense.
“Jonathan has to stop waiting for his turn,” Arenas said. “If you want to be the second option, you take it — you don’t ask for it.”
As for Buddy Hield, his role is more defined but less explosive. Known for his perimeter shooting, Hield played all 82 games, averaging 11.1 points on 37 percent from three. He remains a valuable floor spacer but hasn’t shown the same aggression needed to take on a larger scoring load. Arenas suggested that Hield’s consistency could make him a solid complementary piece, but only if he learns to hunt his shot more confidently.
The Bigger Picture: Chemistry and Identity
Beyond statistics, the Warriors face a deeper question identity. With the recent acquisitions of Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, plus the re-signing of Gary Payton II, Golden State is clearly aiming for balance: veteran leadership mixed with youthful energy.
However, Arenas argues that balance won’t matter unless someone emerges as Curry’s offensive counterpart. “You can’t win in this league with one guy carrying everything,” he said. “Steph can’t keep scoring 30 every night while the next guy has 15.”
The Kuminga extension, worth two years and $48.5 million with a team option, signals that the Warriors still believe in his potential. But it also raises the stakes. If Kuminga fails to establish himself as a reliable scorer, trade speculation will grow especially given Golden State’s thin margin under the salary cap.
Can Butler Be the Second Option After All?
Not everyone agrees with Arenas. Some analysts point to Butler’s proven track record in Miami, where his usage rate often dictated team success. When Butler took control, the Heat thrived. When he deferred too much, the offense stagnated.
Butler has always been a player who reads the game, not one who forces it. In Golden State’s free-flowing system, that instinct can be both a blessing and a limitation. His leadership and defense are invaluable, but if he doesn’t increase his scoring aggression, the Warriors’ offense could again become overly dependent on Curry.
The Road Ahead
The Warriors enter the new season with plenty of questions but no shortage of potential. Butler’s presence brings maturity and stability, while Kuminga and Hield represent the future of the franchise. The challenge lies in finding balance when to share, when to shoot, and who steps forward when it matters most.
Golden State’s championship window is still open, but the air feels thinner than before. Every role must be defined, every player must commit. And as Arenas made clear, the Warriors can’t afford another year of uncertainty behind Curry.
For Jimmy Butler, the criticism may sting, but it also presents a challenge. The veteran has built his career proving doubters wrong. Whether he can do it again, in a Warriors jersey, will define not just his season but perhaps Golden State’s future.
Conclusion
Gilbert Arenas has reignited the conversation about Golden State’s offensive identity. His critique of Jimmy Butler isn’t personal; it’s about the harsh truth of hierarchy in modern basketball. For the Warriors to chase another title, someone must become the clear second option and soon.
Whether that’s Butler finding another gear, Kuminga stepping into stardom, or Hield rediscovering his scoring rhythm, the answer will shape the Warriors’ destiny. And in an era where every possession matters, Golden State’s next great story may depend on who takes the next big shot when Stephen Curry finally passes it.
