第14週の3つの注目点：ウォリアーズが迫られる決断、新フォーマットのオールスター、そしてデュラントのバスケ愛 / Three Takeaways From Week 14: The Warriors’ Looming Decisions, a New All-Star Format, and Kevin Durant’s Love for the Game
Writer/coach collaborating with NBA events & coaching Japanese youth through Eigo de Basket. Holds a Master’s in Advanced Education. Combines on-court coaching insight with expert NBA analysis and player development knowledge to cover the NBA.
Week 14 of the NBA has arrived at a series of defining moments.
Jimmy Butler’s injury has forced the Golden State Warriors to confront difficult, practical questions about how to move forward this season. The All-Star Game, through a revamped format, is once again searching for a way to restore genuine competitiveness. And Kevin Durant, regardless of age or circumstance, continues to demonstrate a deep, unwavering love for the game itself.
Taken together, this week’s developments offer one of the clearest snapshots yet of the challenges the NBA faces—and the values it is still trying to define.
For the Golden State Warriors, a nightmare became reality. Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
This isn't just losing a key player. The Warriors lost one of the players with the highest consistency, and a player essential to their success.
Butler appeared in 38 games this season, averaging 20.0 points on 51.9% shooting. Efficient, dependable scoring. Within the Warriors' offensive system, he was a reliable source of points.
With Butler on the floor, Golden State outscored opponents by 7.3 points per 100 possessions. The team's defensive rating was 109.2. This means when Butler was playing, the Warriors had the advantage on both ends.
Of course, the player most connected to the team's success is Stephen Curry. But Butler was also a key part of that success.
Butler also stabilized games by getting to the free-throw line. He slowed opponent momentum and produced reliable points when the offense stalled. This is a critically important ability in clutch moments.
Losing Butler isn't just about losing 20 points. What the Warriors lost is their most reliable two-way stabilizer. A player who absorbed physical matchups, settled games during momentum swings, and helped the team survive the non-Stephen Curry minutes.
Now that he's gone, the Warriors' margin for error has narrowed. The defensive burden has increased, and opposing teams will find it easier to game-plan against them. The Western Conference punishes teams lacking size and toughness without mercy. And now, Golden State is becoming exactly that target.
In my opinion, Butler was the second option behind Stephen Curry and the team's most reliable two-way player. His presence was unwavering, night after night, game after game.
And now, he's gone.How do the Warriors fill this massive void? One possibility is that someone from the existing roster steps up.
Jonathan Kuminga has talent. But Kuminga is asking to be traded. And it's hard to believe other players can replicate what Butler brought day in and day out.
Butler's strength wasn't flashy stats—it was consistency. Every night, he showed up. Every night, he did the work. Every night, he guarded the opponent's best player and produced reliable scoring on offense. No one on the roster can replace that.
The other possibility is a trade.
The Warriors might move now. They might try something to fill Butler's void. But this is both a strong possibility and a massive risk.
Why?
The league knows Golden State is desperate. And desperation kills negotiating power. If the Warriors try to make a trade, opposing teams will smell blood. Getting fair value will be extremely difficult.
The Warriors' front office must move carefully. Panic leads to bad deals. And right now, they have plenty of reasons to panic.
Stephen Curry is 37 years old. His championship window isn't wide anymore. Neither is Draymond Green's. This team doesn't have time to wait.
That's why Butler's injury is more than just bad luck. It's a season-altering event. For a team with championship aspirations, the situation has instantly shifted to one where even a playoff spot might be uncertain.
How will the Warriors respond?
Bet on the existing players? Or take the risk and dive into the trade market?
Either way, the road is steep.
The Golden State Warriors without Jimmy Butler are no longer the same team. And the rest of the Western Conference knows it.
Writer/coach collaborating with NBA events & coaching Japanese youth through Eigo de Basket. Holds a Master’s in Advanced Education. Combines on-court coaching insight with expert NBA analysis and player development knowledge to cover the NBA.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
Basketball-driven revenue leader with 20+ years in international business development, including 15+ years leading sponsorship growth, brand expansion, and strategic partnerships across the global basketball industry. Open to relocation to Japan.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
