Warriors grant Jimmy Butler the wish Heat (and others) couldn't deliver
Jimmy Butler has proven a locker room problem at times during his previous stops in the NBA, but there's no suggestion of that at the Golden State Warriors following his blockbuster acquisition in February.
In fact, it's been the complete opposite as Butler has completely changed the fortunes of the franchise. Part of the reason things may be different is because the Warriors have granted Butler the wish of playing alongside a veteran core, something he didn't necessarily have in his previous stints with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat.
Warriors have granted Jimmy Butler an environment he didn't get elsewhere
In detailing why Golden State is different to Butler's previous homes earlier in the week, Nick Friedell of The Athletic
"The Warriors gave him the two-year max extension he was looking for and the respect that came with it. But just below the money is the fact that Butler is finally on a team with two players that he not only respects, but provide the Hall of Fame structure and work ethic that he has always craved,"
This isn't to say that Butler hasn't played with great players before, but he's always been the alpha or the adult in the room with younger teammates alongside. That started when he was traded to the Timberwolves, joining a team with recent number one picks at the time in Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Butler did lead the Timberwolves to what was a rare playoff appearance during that period, but it quickly and famously blew up in disaster early the following season which led to his move to the 76ers.
That too was a young team consisting of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz, with that squad falling to an historic shot from Kawhi Leonard in Game 7 of the second-round against the Toronto Raptors.
Even in Miami, Butler was the head of the snake while the likes of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro rose through the ranks from young players into All-Stars who helped their veteran reach a pair of NBA Finals.
Since his rise in Chicago, Butler has always been the best (or at least believed he was) on each team he's been at. That's changed at the Warriors where Butler understands he's the number two and has even labelled himself 'Robin' to Curry's 'Batman'.
Butler was the man for the Warriors in their season opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers, while Curry scored 77 points across Thursday and Friday's back-to-back. Between them there's still optimism that Golden State, even with their advanced age, can cause some damage in the Western Conference this season.
BREAKING NEWS: Houston Texans fans are heartbroken as star wide receiver Nico Collins and his family face devastating news regarding his mother. 💔 According to sources close to the team, Collins has temporarily stepped away from the Texans to be with his family during this difficult time, as his mother is battling serious health issues. The incident has prompted an outpouring of prayers and support from teammates, fans, and the entire NFL community. Although Collins is known for his fierce competitiveness and quiet determination on the field, this time, he has touched millions with the image of a devoted and loving son. 🙏🏈
The Houston Texans and the entire NFL community are rallying behind Nico Collins, the team’s breakout wide receiver, after heartbreaking news emerged that his mother is facing severe health complications
Multiple sources close to the team have confirmed that Collins has temporarily stepped away from football to be with his family during this incredibly difficult time. The 26-year-old star, known for his quiet leadership and relentless work ethic, has asked for privacy and prayers as he focuses on what truly matters most — his mother.
💬 “Right now, football can wait.”
According to Texans insiders, Collins personally informed head coach DeMeco Ryans and team executives earlier this week of his decision to take personal leave. The team immediately offered its full support, emphasizing that Collins’ family comes before anything else.
Coach Ryans addressed the media with a heartfelt message:
“We’re a family here, and Nico is part of that family. Right now, he needs to be with his mother — and that’s exactly where he should be.”
The Texans organization has also requested that the media respect Collins’ privacy, calling this “a deeply personal and emotional time for one of our own.”
💔 The NFL Rallies Around Collins
Within hours of the announcement, messages of love, faith, and solidarity poured in from across the league.
C.J. Stroud, Collins’ teammate and close friend, shared a simple but powerful message on X (formerly Twitter):
“We got you, brother. Prayers up for Mama Collins.” 🙏
Other NFL stars — including Amon-Ra St. Brown, D.J. Moore, and Tyreek Hill — echoed their support, proving that sometimes, the league’s fiercest competitors become one big family when it matters most.
Fans flooded social media with the hashtag #PrayForNico, turning it into a trending topic nationwide.
Posts of encouragement, photos of Collins embracing his mother after past games, and stories of his humble upbringing have all resurfaced, reminding everyone that even the toughest athletes carry hearts that break and bleed like anyone else’s.
🌹 A Mother’s Strength Behind the Star
Those who know Collins personally have often spoken about the profound influence of his mother, who raised him with love, discipline, and unshakable faith.
From his high school days in Birmingham, Alabama, to his rise as one of the NFL’s most dynamic receivers, she has been his biggest fan, motivator, and hero.
In a past interview, Collins once said:
“Everything I am comes from her. The way I play, the way I fight — it’s her strength in me.”
That quote has now resurfaced across social media, shared thousands of times as fans send prayers not only to Nico but to the woman who shaped him.
🏈 Texans Fans Show Pure Class
At NRG Stadium, fans have already begun organizing gestures of support. A growing number plan to wear “Mama Collins Strong” T-shirts at the next home game, while others have started a
One fan wrote on Facebook:
“He gives us everything every Sunday. The least we can do is give him love when he needs it most.”
Texans Nation — often described as one of the NFL’s most loyal fanbases — is proving that their loyalty extends beyond touchdowns and stats.
🙏 A Private Battle, A Public Outpouring
Though details about his mother’s condition remain private, reports indicate that Collins has been spending nearly all his time at the hospital, stepping away from team practices and media commitments.
According to one close friend, Nico has remained strong for his family, often seen praying quietly before leaving the facility each night.
“He’s heartbroken,” the source said. “But he’s also showing incredible strength — the kind only a son with deep love for his mother could have.”
💬 A 20-Word Statement from Nico Collins
“Football gave me purpose, but my mother gave me life. Right now, she’s my only game, my only fight.” — Nico Collins
❤️ Love Beyond the Game
This story has touched millions not because of touchdowns or stats, but because it reveals the man behind the helmet — a son standing by his mother with courage, faith, and devotion.
While the Texans wait patiently for their star receiver’s return, fans and fellow players alike understand that some battles are bigger than football — and this one is being fought with love.
As one fan put it best:
“He’s given us unforgettable plays on the field. Now we owe him something greater — our prayers off it.”
Stay strong, Nico Collins. Houston, and the entire NFL, are standing with you. ❤️🏈🙏
