Jimmy Butler Says 'It's Really Refreshing' to Be Steph Curry's 'Sidekick' on Warriors

Jimmy Butler is happy to cede the spotlight to Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors.

"To come here and know I'm second to Steph is a really good thing," he told reporters Thursday. "To be his sidekick, it's really refreshing."

Butler also struck an optimistic tone about Golden State's future following Wednesday's season-ending 121-110 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In general, the six-time All-Star knew the sacrifices he'd have to make on the court the moment he arrived from the Miami Heat. During his introductory press conference with Golden State in February, he quipped his job was to "pass the ball to Steph and get out the way."

As much as this is Curry's team, the Warriors traded for Butler in the hope he could take over a game when required, particularly in the postseason. That didn't happen against Minnesota once Curry was sidelined with a hamstring strain.

In Golden State's final four games, Butler averaged 20.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and five assists. This was not the "Playoff Jimmy" fans have come to expect.

Maybe that stemmed from his scary fall in the first round, or perhaps the 35-year-old is starting to show his age.

At this point in his career, taking a small step back and playing off the ball more is probably better for Butler, and now he and Curry will have an entire offseason to work on improving their chemistry.

The Warriors may have a problem, though, if the Heat's general concerns about Butler's value moving forward prove to be valid.