“Ready for your chance in Santa Cruz?” Butler said. “I’m definitely heading down to play. Good luck to all. You won’t see many minutes from me, but I’m going. I just want to hoop.”
Head coach Steve Kerr is upbeat, noting it’s a smart way to regain game shape after a long break, yet most NBA stars remain “too vain” to try it. Stints with G League teams have risen, but few rotation players actually suit up. Butler sees it as right, though persuading GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. may prove tougher. For my money, this gamble could reignite his spark.
“I don’t have to answer anyone,” Butler declared. “I’m going. Mike and I will spar. He’ll say, ‘Jimmy, no.’ I’ll fire back, ‘Mike, yes. G League, baby!’ Catch me in Santa Cruz.”
The Pacific Division adds more news:
- Kings center Domantas Sabonis said injuries weren’t to blame for his scoreless Tuesday against Orlando, telling reporters he’s “100%,” reports Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. He also reflected on enduring another losing season with Sacramento, now 1‑10. “It sucks. None of us want to be here, in terms of losing,” Sabonis added. “Watching this team lose hurts. You want to bounce back and play good basketball. We know we just need to stitch together 48 minutes.”
- Jalen Green was omitted from the Suns’ closing lineup in Thursday’s win over Charlotte, reports Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Green sat out the entire fourth as coach Jordan Ott leaned on Jordan Goodwin, Collin Gillespie and Luke Kennard. “Whatever it takes to win,” Green said afterward. “My number didn’t come up in the fourth.”