Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Draymond Green Makes Jimmy Butler Declaration After 1 Game Played

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 6:34 AM ET

Jimmy Butler led the Warriors to a 119-109 win with 31 points and strong all-around play.
Draymond Green praised Butler’s leadership and impact on the team since joining.
Green expressed strong confidence in Butler by making a prediction about the six-time All-Star.

While all eyes were on Steph Curry and Luka Doncic in Tuesday’s season-opener between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers, it was Jimmy Butler who stole the show with a strong performance in the win — one that drew some high praise from Draymond Green.

Butler, who is entering his first full season with the Warriors this year, was excellent in Tuesday’s 119-109 road victory at Crypto.com Arena. The six-time All-Star dropped a team-high 31 points on 7-of-14 shooting, while also making all 16 of his attempts from the charity stripe. Butler also added five rebounds, four assists, a steal and one triple in 35 minutes of action.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10) during a game.© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Green, who started at center following the offseason departure of Kevon Looney, also played a key role in Golden State’s win. It was a typical Draymond Green line from the former Defensive Player of the Year, who registered eight points, seven rebounds, nine assists, a steal, two blocks and one triple. Green was a +20 against the Lakers, tied with Butler for the highest +/- in the game.

Green spoke to reporters after the game, and the nine-time All-Defensive forward turned his attention to Butler and the latter’s eye-opening performance. Green had nothing but high praise for his Warriors teammate.

“He’s been a great leader since the day he showed up,” Green said of Butler. “We heard all the talk about him last year (amid his contentious exit from the Miami Heat), and that’s not the guy who showed up in San Francisco.

“The guy who showed up to San Francisco (is) the guy we saw tonight. Great leader, encouraging teammates, telling guys what he sees, making corrections, settling our team down and getting us good shots. … It’s been amazing having him here.”

Green then took the opportunity to make a declaration about his teammate after just one game played in the new NBA season.

“He’ll be an All-Star again this year,” Green stated.

Draymond Green on Jimmy Butler: “Jimmy will be an All-Star again this year.” pic.twitter.com/mx1hOkxebf
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) October 22, 2025

Butler has been an All-Star six times in his career. However, the last time he was called up to the All-Star squad was in 2022. Green is adamant that Butler will return to glory this year.

Butler will look to keep his hot start going on Thursday when the Warriors return to action against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Golden State will host that game, with tipoff at Chase Center scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: