Jimmy Butler is gearing up for his 15th NBA season, and his training looks a little different this time.
The 36-year-old has taken to padel, the fast-growing racquet sport that blends tennis and squash, and he insists its more than just an offseason hobby.
Butler recently traveled to Spain as the honorary chairman of Reserve Padels annual Reserve Cup, where he explained why the game is part of his preparation.
I get to be better on the basketball court because of this, I mean it, Butler said during an interview on CNBCs Power Lunch from Spain. Now hear me out: I like to play so many different sports to train for whatever upcoming season. This is another one. So I would like to say that my biggest investment is I kind of get to get better at basketball throughout this entire thing for myself.
Butler arrived in Golden State at last seasons trade deadline and made an immediate impact. In 30 games with the Warriors, he averaged 17.9 points on 47.6 percent shooting, along with 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.7 steals. Golden State went 23-7 with him in the lineup, pushing themselves back into the playoff mix.
Now, with his first full season in the Bay Area ahead, Butler is doubling down on unconventional methods to stay sharp.
Hand-eye coordination, reflexes, being able to pivot when a ball comes off the wall, Butler said. All the movement. All the conditioning you do. Seeing these guys work up a sweat, its super incredible. I dont know if I have it in me to do it for that many straight sets, I wont lie to you. But it looks exhausting and it can definitely help on a basketball floor, I promise you.
