In the world of hypotheticals, few exercises stir up more passionate debate among sports fans than the classic “Start, Bench, Cut” game. The premise is simple: take three elite players, and you’re forced to make the ultimate decision—who starts, who comes off the bench, and who gets cut entirely. When the names involved are Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Jimmy Butler, and the team in question is the Golden State Warriors, the scenario becomes more than theoretical—it becomes a thought-provoking dilemma for Warriors Nation.
Warriors fans are some of the most vocal and loyal in the league, known for their deep basketball knowledge and firm stances on legacy, chemistry, and winning mentality. With the franchise at a crossroads, the idea of choosing between these three legends—each a star in his own right, each with unique skills and achievements—presents both a fun conversation starter and a deeper exploration of team identity, history, and what it really takes to win in today’s NBA.
Let’s begin with the face of the franchise, Stephen Curry. Drafted by Golden State in 2009, Curry has not only transformed the Warriors into a dynasty but has also reshaped the entire landscape of basketball. With four NBA championships, two MVPs (including the league’s only unanimous MVP), and countless clutch moments under his belt, Curry’s résumé is unimpeachable. He is the heart and soul of the Warriors, their engine, their leader, and the cultural epicenter of their identity. His ability to stretch the floor with limitless range, combined with off-ball movement that scrambles defenses, makes him arguably the most unique offensive weapon the NBA has ever seen. Cutting or benching Curry would seem not just blasphemous to Dub Nation but strategically unwise given how the entire offense is predicated on his gravitational pull.
Then there’s Kevin Durant. KD’s stint with Golden State was relatively short, lasting just three seasons from 2016 to 2019. But what a three-year run it was. Durant joined the Warriors in the summer of 2016 and instantly turned them from champions into an unstoppable juggernaut. With Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green already in place, Durant’s addition brought the team two more NBA titles and back-to-back Finals MVP awards for himself. At his best, Durant is a 7-foot sniper who can score from anywhere on the court, guard multiple positions, and take over games in a way few others can. His impact on those championship runs was enormous, and many believe he was the best player on the team during that stretch. However, his departure in 2019 and the somewhat messy fallout from his time in the Bay still leave a complicated taste for some Warriors fans. While his on-court contributions were immense, the emotional connection doesn’t run as deep as it does with Curry.
Then comes Jimmy Butler, the ultimate wildcard. Known as “Playoff Jimmy,” Butler’s playoff heroics and warrior mentality have made him one of the most respected players in the league. While Butler has never worn a Warriors jersey, imagining him in Golden State colors isn’t entirely out of place. His gritty, defense-first approach and no-nonsense leadership would theoretically mesh well with the Warriors’ core. Butler’s ability to will his team to victories, often single-handedly, is legendary. His runs to the Finals with the Miami Heat—despite being massive underdogs—have made him a fan favorite and a symbol of competitive fire. In a hypothetical universe where Jimmy joins the Warriors, his presence could give the team a new edge, especially on the defensive end. However, in the “Start, Bench, Cut” game, resume and fit both matter, and Butler, despite his greatness, is often seen as a tier below Curry and Durant in terms of overall talent and offensive ceiling.
So, what would Dub Nation do? Who stays, who sits, and who’s shown the door?
Let’s break down each decision with the cold logic of basketball strategy and the warm bias of legacy and emotion.
Starting with Curry seems like the easiest choice for most fans. He’s the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, a homegrown talent, and arguably the most important player in Golden State history. He brought the Warriors from the basement of the Western Conference to a dynasty, all while changing how the game is played at every level. He’s not just a star—he’s the star. Bench him, and you lose your offensive identity. Cut him, and you cut the heart out of the team. No rational Warriors fan would ever willingly send Steph to the bench, let alone out of town. For that reason, Curry gets the start in this lineup, no questions asked.
That leaves Durant and Butler to battle it out for the bench spot versus the cut. This is where things get tricky. Durant is undoubtedly more talented than Butler, a superior scorer, and more of a matchup nightmare. His skillset is generational, and he’s still capable of dominating in high-pressure playoff games. But there are concerns—his Achilles injury in 2019 has limited his availability, and his leadership style, at times aloof or nonconfrontational, doesn’t always inspire confidence in a high-tension locker room. He’s also had well-documented clashes with other superstars and left Golden State after reportedly being unhappy with how he was perceived in the shadow of Curry.
Butler, on the other hand, brings something different. He’s not as offensively gifted as Durant, but his two-way impact, vocal leadership, and iron will are hard to quantify. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, relishes the big moments, and makes those around him better through sheer competitive spirit. If the Warriors were seeking more grit, more defense, and someone who could take on tough assignments every night while maintaining chemistry, Butler might be the smarter long-term piece to bring off the bench.
Yet, when it comes to winning a title, especially in a system that thrives on spacing and versatility, Durant is the type of player who can put a team over the top. If Curry is already starting, pairing him with Durant again—albeit in a bench role—could unlock devastating second units. Durant’s scoring from the midrange, ability to play both forward spots, and defensive versatility make him a valuable asset, even if only in spurts. He could close games, even if he doesn’t start them. In other words, Durant may accept the bench role only hypothetically, but in this exercise, it’s about maximizing winning potential.
That leaves Butler as the odd man out—not because he lacks value, but because the Warriors’ system and needs lean more toward elite shooting and length than grinding half-court isolation and perimeter defense, especially with Draymond Green and Klay Thompson still contributing in those areas. Cutting Butler feels harsh, especially given how beloved he is in the broader NBA community, but in a choice between three greats, someone has to go.
The final decision? Start Steph Curry, bench Kevin Durant, cut Jimmy Butler.
This configuration preserves team identity, offensive firepower, and chemistry, while also maintaining a high level of playoff-ready talent. Curry keeps the team flowing, Durant gives firepower off the bench or in clutch moments, and though Butler misses the cut, his legacy and tenacity will always be respected.
Of course, there’s no correct answer in the “Start, Bench, Cut” game—only preferences, perceptions, and priorities. Some fans may argue that Durant’s talent is too valuable to sit and that he should start alongside Curry, cutting Butler or even shifting Steph to the bench in some alternate scenario. Others may value Butler’s heart and defensive edge so highly that they’d bench him over a perceived drama-prone Durant. And there will always be those who argue from an emotional standpoint that loyalty and history should override short-term gains.
