Although Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wasn’t healthy enough to return to the team’s bench for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, there’s still a chance he’ll be back before the end of the series. According to an ESPN report from Ramona Shelburne, Chris Haynes, and Marc Spears, there’s “some optimism” that Kerr could coach Golden State in Game 2 on Sunday.
Team sources tell ESPN that Kerr had a “bad day” on Wednesday, eliminating the possibility of him coaching the Warriors in Game 1. While acting head coach Mike Brown wanted Kerr to make a game-time decision on coaching Game 1, Kerr felt it was important to string together several good days of health before returning to the team’s bench.
Kerr implied earlier this week that he might make a definitive decision on his status if he was unable to coach Game 1, but the Warriors’ brass wants to remain patient, and is open to having the club’s head coach return later in the series if possible. GM Bob Myers told ESPN that Golden State is “not closing the door” on Kerr’s return in the Finals.
While Kerr’s back troubles have sidelined him for a good chunk of this year’s playoffs, he told Tim Kawakami of The San Jose Mercury News this week that he definitely intends to continue his coaching career, and is optimistic he’ll be ready to go in the fall if he’s not able to come back in the Finals.
If I’m Steve Kerr and I’m smart, I don’t come back if the Warriors keep winning.
They’re 13-0. Why disrupt things?
Kerr’s such an unselfish guy that I say he stays away if they continue to win. He’s all about the team and the players and Mike Brown is doing a great job so far.
Doesn’t matter if he’s back or not ANYBODY in the world could coach this team and win a championship.
LL nailed it. To call Kerr a top level coach with this team is a travesty. These guys are all pros and they know what’s needed.
Kerr implemented the system. That same squad w mark Jackson was 1 and done and the season we got Kerr we won it all. So to say he didn’t have an impact is wrong