Warriors May Already Be Facing Injury Issues With Old Roster

The Golden State Warriors could be one of the best teams in the league this season. They could also be a huge disappointment. That’s the risk you take when your roster is filled with older veterans. If they are healthy, the team will no doubt be great; if injuries plague them, the season could go downhill very quickly. 

That’s why the most recent Warriors injury news isn’t great. Warriors reporter Nick Friedell reported Monday, “Jimmy Butler will not play Tuesday in Portland. He sprained his ankle in Friday’s practice — the Warriors didn’t think it was a big deal, but it has lingered a little bit. Kerr says Tuesday’s absence is more precautionary. Kerr expects Jimmy to play in preseason finale Friday.”

While this may not seem like a big deal, Butler’s injury history isn’t great. He has often been hobbled by minor injuries, missing significant chunks of pretty much all of his 14 NBA seasons. If the 65-game qualifier for major awards had been in place during all of Butler’s career, he would have qualified to make an All-NBA team only six times. On top of that, in his last eight seasons, he hasn’t played more than 65 games once.

That’s why, despite this preseason injury being minor, it’s not a great sign for the Warriors. They are going to need all of their veterans healthy to start and finish the season. The fact that Butler is already dealing with something minor, and regular-season games haven’t even begun yet, is super concerning. 

Hopefully, the Warriors can figure out a way for Butler, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford to get a little rest during the regular season. What’s most important is having those guys healthy down the stretch, and that’s probably why the Warriors are being extra careful with Butler now.