When life gives you lemons, make some lemonade.

That is NBA star Jimmy Butler’s mission this weekend in Tennis Paradise. The six-time All-Star flew from San Diego for his first visit to Tennis Paradise on Saturday, crutches and all, as he works to recover from a torn ACL that has taken him off the court with the Golden State Warriors.

It’s also a reason to spend more time with his good friend Carlos Alcaraz. The basketball icon took a stroll around the grounds, met fans and signed autographs, grabbed a coffee, chatted with top stars and then sat down to experience the Spaniard's electrifying brand of tennis in Stadium 1.

A perfect day in the California desert.

“The vibes are so high,” said Butler, who plans to come back for several more sessions at this year’s tournament. “I’m so happy to be here, I’m so happy to see everybody so happy, watching these incredible players do what they do at the highest level.

“The weather is wonderful, and now I’m a Californian through and through, and I’m glad that I get to be here for this entire tournament.”

On an idyllic Saturday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Butler took time to meet and greet star players such as Coco Gauff, Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, then took a trek out to the practice courts to meet Alexander Zverev, a player whose game he models his own after.

Then he headed over to the Paradise Pavilion and took the stage for a chat with Michelle Yu.

“I tend to find the silver lining in everything,” Butler said. “Yes, I’m out with an ACL tear, but normally my season is right now, so I can’t come out and support my friends like I would like to. Now I get to.

“Me and Carlos have been rockin’ since 2021, and I just love the ferocity he plays with. He’s not scared of any moment, he hustles for every ball. He never gives up. If you are giving a kid an example of what to be in any sport, it’s Carlos.”

How does the Golden State Warriors forward assess his own tennis game? Let’s just say he doesn’t lack enthusiasm.

“Love it,” he said of his passion for the sport of tennis, with a smile. “I play. Now, can I play as well as some of the [players in the tournament]? My ACL is hurt, so we’ll never know.”

Butler, a self-proclaimed tennis die-hard since 2021, says his favorite play on a tennis court is the drop shot, which explains why he’s one of Alcaraz’s biggest fans.

But when it comes to styling his own game, he turns to 6’6” Alexander Zverev as a role model.

“He’s one of my favorites, because he is most built like a basketball player, so I feel like my tennis style should mimic his,” Butler said of the three-time Grand Slam finalist.

When you are tennis-obsessed like Butler is, you tend to have many favorites. The Houston, Texas native is a big backer of Coco Gauff as well.

“Coco is one of my favorites, obviously,” he said. “She is so very beloved. I have a daughter and I want my daughter to grow up and do everything that Coco does, she’s just amazing.”

Tennis isn’t just a hobby for Butler these days — it’s a challenge, both mentally and physically. When Butler isn’t slicing through the lane on NBA hardwood, he likes to patrol the baseline of a different kind of court. Even if he’s not quite as elite on it.

“I’ve been studying tennis for the last three or four years, and it hasn’t brought me any more talent, I’m not gonna lie to you, but I love to read up on it and watch it,” he said.

Like those who pass through the gates of Tennis Paradise each day, Butler can live vicariously through the insane athleticism of tennis’ top stars.

As he headed out to watch Alcaraz, he could barely contain his excitement.

“I’m going to sit there and say how amazing it is to watch him do what he loves at a high level and put on a show for all you wonderful fans, that’s what I love so much about Carlos,” he said. “As fierce a competitor as he is, he’s also a showman. He’s going to do something that has the entire crowd in awe.”