Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed confidence in his team’s depth and internal development following Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury. He emphasized continuity and focus despite the major setback.
Steve Kerr Optimistic for Warriors Despite Devastating Jimmy Butler Injury
Anthony Slater of ESPN posted a video of Kerr addressing the media on Tuesday, Jan. 20. He made it clear that while Butler’s absence is significant, the organization believes it has capable replacements ready to step into larger roles.
“We are well equipped with our depth to play at a high level,” Kerr said. “Quinten, Will Richard, those guys are ready to contribute. They have contributed, so we can keep this going. Obviously, we will miss Jimmy. He is one of the best players in the league, so you can’t minimize that.”
Butler suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during Golden State’s Jan. 19 win over the Miami Heat, when he collided with Heat guard Davion Mitchell while attempting a shot in the third quarter. Butler was helped off the floor and later ruled out. An MRI confirmed the ACL tear, ending his 2025-26 season.
Steve Kerr expressed confidence in the roster that remains after the Jimmy Butler injury: “You play with who you have. We like who we have.”
But he also admitted he can’t “minimize” or “trivialize” the impact of the loss: “You look at it matter of factly. We get it.” pic.twitter.com/eqELXbJ5cv
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 21, 2026
When asked how the injury reshapes the Warriors’ place in the league, Kerr avoided broader evaluations and instead stressed maintaining momentum.
“Well, you just look at it as matter-of-factly,” Kerr said. “We get it. This is part of the NBA, part of sports. I’m not going to spend a lot of time analyzing where we are in the food chain of the NBA. Focus on what we can do, win tonight. We have a good vibe.”
“We have a really good rhythm. We have found, I think, a pattern of connecting the game offensively and defensively. I think we can continue to do those things and win games, and when you do that, you build confidence.”
The Warriors have shown signs of stability despite an uneven season. Golden State is 25-19 and eighth in the Western Conference after winning four straight games, including a 135-112 victory over Miami and a 136-116 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
Warriors Have To Adjust Rotation in Butler’s Absence
With Butler sidelined, Golden State has to update its rotation and depth chart.
In the frontcourt, Quinten Post is expected to see increased responsibility. Post is averaging 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 18 minutes per game while shooting 43.9% from the field and 34.7% from three-point range.
On the wing, Will Richard has emerged as a reliable option. Richard is averaging 7.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 19.2 minutes per game while shooting 49.8% from the field and 37.7% from beyond the arc. He has appeared in 39 games this season and has made 15 starts.
Golden State already received a preview of a Butler-less lineup during Saturday’s win over Charlotte, when Butler missed the game for personal reasons.
Richard started in his place and delivered one of his most complete performances of the season. He finished with 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting, 5 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and one block, committing just one turnover.
That performance, combined with Kerr’s public endorsement, suggests Richard could remain in the starting lineup as the Warriors adjust their rotation moving forward.
Butler had started 38 of Golden State’s first 44 games and was viewed internally as a stabilizing two-way presence. His absence forces Golden State to lean further into depth. With Butler out for the season, Golden State’s ability to sustain its recent rhythm may determine how far this roster can go.
