Jimmy Butler fell awkwardly yesterday, and the worst fears of Warriors fans, fantasy owners, and the general basketball aficionado were confirmed this morning. The ACL, which was intact before the fall, is now not intact. The 36 year old Butler will be sidelined into next season. There’s no replacing his 20 point, 6 rebound, 5 assist slash line if you lost him. That’s gone.
I’m not trying to be insensitive. It sucks, love Jimmy.
There are opportunities for the wire though. Let’s look at fantasy options to replace him.
First of all the Warriors. They own their draft pick for the 2026 draft and will probably be a lottery team. They might not be safe going forward, the Draymond Green or Steph Curry type players. I would look to deal them if you can (especially in a h2h league!).
Will Richard did start the last time Butler was sidelined (11-5-6 on Jan. 17) and in deep, deep leagues needs to be owned. He’s only at 2% owned at the moment. Richard does have a positive defensive rating, but overall in his bench role has not contributed at a league average level offensive. If he does get the nod, three pointers will be the main category he can contribute in (2.2 per 36 minutes). Keep an eye on Richard; if they want an efficient, defensively minded guard he could put up numbers in the aforementioned start as an average.
Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t been in a game in about a month, but don’t look for him to fill the void. Yes, I know he’s the same size and position as Butler with many of the same skills. Don’t tell me, tell Steve Kerr! He’s more likely to be traded now, though (Chicago for Vucevic? Nets for Porter?) even if I’m not a rumor creator. Don’t worry about Kuminga for now. It’s a toxic situation for him in Golden State.
Moses Moody as a starter averages 10.3 PPG, 3 boards, and 2 assists. He’s a lock to continue starting. The play for Moody would be to see what happens with increased volume. Per 36, he averages around 15 points, so not terribly exciting if moderately valuable. He could bump his threes to the 2-3 makes per game, and he’s a low turnover player albeit with low assists as well. What really holds Moody back is his around the rim shooting (45th percentile). If he can bump up those numbers, we’re looking at a legit 2 way guard. As it stands now, he’s a defensive specialist, very good with blocks for a guard and an adequate thief. He’s worth a flier in any league if you have the room.
Remember Memphis De’Anthony Melton? He jumped right back in as a good guard in a punt points build in a H2H. Guy hits 1-2 treys, 1.5 steals, and low turnover volume. I’m out though until he starts playing back to backs again. Watch list for him right now. If he gets healthy, you have my blessing that you never needed but now really are glad you have.
I wasn’t going to write about Brandin Podziemski but didn’t realize he’s only 33% owned. Welcome to the number two option on Golden State, Brandin with an I instead of an O! I think he’s the likely scoring boost of the bunch.
Since fantasy owners love rankings, here’s my priority order:
- Podz
- Moody
- Melton
- Hield
- Kuminga
