Curry watches from the bench as Butler swishes a three-pointer, the ball arching perfectly through the air before kissing the net with a satisfying swish at the Warriors' home court, the always vibrant Chase Center. The arena is lively with the energy of fans excited to see the new addition to the team. The familiar sounds of squeaking sneakers and the thud of basketballs echo around the practice court, a perfect backdrop to the impromptu game of horse unfolding in front of him. The rest of the Warriors roster—Dre, Klay, and a few of the newer faces—are scattered across the hardwood, taking turns in this light-hearted competition, each player eager to show off their skills and welcome Jimmy Butler, the fiery all-star who'd recently been acquired from the Miami Heat.
Curry leans back on the bench, a playful smirk spreading across his face. He finds enjoyment in teasing Butler, always up for some friendly banter. It's not lost on Curry that the league is still filled with rivals, and fostering camaraderie can ease the transition for a player who has just joined a new team.
Curry: "Nice shot, rook." He calls out, his tone dripping with mock sincerity, though genuinely impressed by Butler’s form. He can’t help but play the role of the seasoned veteran.
Butler rolls his eyes but can't suppress the smirk creeping onto his face. He springs into action, quickly retrieving the ball after his successful three-pointer. With a determined look, he drives towards the hoop, gracefully weaving between defenders as he glides in for an easy layup. The way he handles the ball is fluid, a testament to his years in the league. Yet, even as he finishes, the lightheartedness of their back-and-forth is evident—his tone carries just enough jest to let Curry know he gets the joke.
Butler: "Shut it, Golden Boy." He replies, shaking his head slightly as he jogs back toward the line to take his next shot. The nickname is rife with playful sarcasm.