The Rice of 1999 and 2000 had become a No. 2 option to Terrell Owens and failed to break 900 yards receiving both years. The day of his big farewell at Candlestick Park, Owens caught 20 passes for 283 yards in a win over the Chicago Bears, upstaging the then-38-year-old Rice for the last time.

Even so, the Warriors have noticed a stark positive change with Butler in the group, starting with head coach Steve Kerr saying Butler brings an "it" factor and energy he now recognizes they needed.

Steph Curry credits Butler's arrival for his 2-game mini-breakout — 72 points in 68 minutes on 22-of-43 shooting, with 14 3-pointers.