Draymond predicts Butler acquisition pushing Warriors to championship

Veteran Draymond Green has high aspirations for his Golden State Warriors this season after they acquired Jimmy Butler.

While serving as a TNT panelist prior to Sunday's All-Star Game, Green said the Warriors were headed in the "wrong direction" early in the season and struggled to figure things out, but that's all recently changed.

"Since (Butler's) been here, we've walked into every game thinking or believing that we're gonna win that game, and that goes a long way in this league," Green said.

"He's brought back that belief, and I think we're going to win the championship."

Green happily doubled down on his prediction after his fellow panelists were taken aback by his claim and asked him to repeat himself.

"I'm sorry. I said I think we're going to win a championship, but I lied. We are going to win the championship."

Golden State has gone 3-1 since adding Butler from the Miami Heat earlier in February, bringing its overall record back over the .500 mark to 28-27.

Butler is averaging 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals with the Warriors.

Warriors star Stephen Curry backed Green when asked about his teammate's prediction.

"We love pressure," Curry said after being named All-Star Game MVP. "We love expectations. He knows that. He's smart. He knows what he's saying."

Golden State sits 10th in the West and holds the conference's final play-in tournament spot.