Jimmy Butler’s media day looks through the years: Teases ’emo Jimmy’ return

The Golden State Warriors’ 2025 media day is here and, using history as guide, fans are prepared for another unique look from Jimmy Butler.

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In recent years, Butler has become the NBA’s undisputed king of media day trolling.

In 2023, he had the internet buzzing with his “emo Jimmy” transformation, which came with straightened hair, a (possibly fake) piercing on his eyebrow and a mood that screamed “it’s not a phase.”

But it all began in 2022 with ombre faux locs that had fans questioning how much his hair could’ve grown during the offseason.

In 2024, the big question was: What’s next?

Would “Jimmy Buckets” show up with a mohawk? A mullet that would make 1980s rock stars jealous?

In this case, hypotheticals were more entertaining than the answer.

“I’m here. Normal hair. No shenanigans,” Butler said when asked about his suspiciously normal styled hair.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, but his media day trolling remained on hiatus. Butler did tease a possible return for one of his alter egos.

Where is “emo Jimmy”?@JimmyButler hints he could make an appearance at a Golden State practice 👀 pic.twitter.com/mCAVSGZlAc

— NBA (@NBA) September 29, 2025

“You might see [’emo Jimmy’] but you won’t see him up here for a media day,” Butler said on Monday.

And he even pointed to a surprising proponent of his return on the Warriors roster: teammate Buddy Hield.

“Buddy for some off reason loves ’emo Jimmy,'” Butler continued. “… So for his sake, I think we’ll show up to practice one day.”

So there you have it — “emo Jimmy” fans can rejoice at the hint of a possible return and won’t have to wait until next media day.