Steve Kerr’s praise for the Heat‘s role players during an appearance on Draymond Green‘s podcast could be interpreted as a message to some of the Warriors, Tim Kawakami of The Athletic writes in a mailbag column. Golden State’s head coach talked about how Miami’s players were able to embrace their roles and adapt from game to game without complaining about playing time.
There were rumors throughout the season that several Warriors — Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga in particular — were unhappy about not having steady minutes. Kawakami notes that Kerr’s comments to Green were similar to what he has been saying all season and an echo of a speech that Stephen Curry delivered to the team before Game 7 of its first-round series against the Kings.
Kawakami adds that Green is in full agreement with Kerr’s stance and wouldn’t be concerned about offending anyone by pointing it out publicly. The message they hoped to deliver is that the team needs more commitment from its young players, similar to what the Heat have been displaying.
There’s more on the Warriors:
- Management doesn’t appear inclined to overhaul the roster before next season, Kawakami adds. He states that the front office might listen to offers if they get calls about Poole, but the core of the team will probably remain together for at least another year, with Curry and Klay Thompson under contract and Green considered likely to re-sign.
- According to Kawakami, Kerr’s future as head coach shouldn’t be affected by the hiring of a new general manager, and it seems to be more connected with Curry’s playing career. Kawakami believes Kerr can continue coaching the team for as long as he wants if Curry remains productive.
- Golden State may consider Iowa forward Kris Murray with the 19th pick in the draft, former Warrior Festus Ezeli of NBC Sports Bay Area said on the “Dubs Talk” podcast. “There is an importance to the NBA draft,” Ezeli said. “… I’ve seen some rumblings about (Kings forward) Keegan Murray‘s brother, who’s also a shooter. Different pieces like that.”
- Knicks guard Josh Hart has talked to fellow Villanova alum Donte DiVincenzo about coming to New York in free agency (Twitter link from New York Basketball). DiVincenzo has a $4.725MM player option on the two-year deal he signed with the Warriors last summer.
The problem with telling the young Warriors players to adapt to the role they are needed in without complaining to sacrifice for what’s best for the team is that they aren’t holding the vets to the same standard. Klay is nowhere near what he used to be and Green is aging and do you hear them talk about taking less money or years without complaining because that’s what it will take to be a contender?
The warriors dynasty is officially over
A dynasty none the less. ill take it!
That is comical coming from a Brooks fan. You said that last year too and they won another one.
The Warriors dynasty is officially entering its 3rd phase. There will be several more – peep my user name.
Very funny how GSW media literally says “as long as Curry is there, Kerr’s job is good” – pathetic. How about getting a coach who’s actually good at coaching and doesnt need to rely on 1 player to validate his career? What a terrible bar to set.
Love the name lol. Blame it all on brooks
The difference between the Heat role players and the Warriors role players is the Heat guys were unheralded/undrafted, and some combination of the Heat coaching staff, elite player development and conditioning program, and great communication helped make those role players a lot of money. So it’s easier to buy into the game plan and an ever-changing role when the coaching staff has a lot of built-up equity with you as a player.
The Warriors coaching staff hasn’t really built that up with Kuminga and Poole. Poole got a shitton of money basically jacking up 30 footers just like Curry, and overdribbling. Poole never bought in defensively, and the coaching staff never made his playing time dependent on that on his first contract. Why would he change now, guaranteed $125M+?
Kuminga is extremely talented, has seen his role fluctuate wildly, has an unclear role, and hasn’t improved much relative to his draft class peers who are less athletic than him.
Kerr would like those guys to buy in the way Spo’s guys do, but Spo is a better coach. Spo doesn’t have Klay jacking up stupid shots with no accountability and his program is proven to give role players a big career boost.
The irony of Kerr saying that to Draymond…
Who would NOT be a starter on ANY other team…
Maybe durung his peak with the right mix of players… But now Draymond is a bench role player who comes in for defence… Yet Kerr started him…
That’s what overpaying a rotation player will get you. They all look at Poole and say. If this guy can get paid. Then I’m worth more than him. I just need mins ………
Warriors only chance at another run. Is to trade Draymond now. He’s on his way down. So it’s best to get value now. Personally I’d move Poole too.
Next year it will be interesting to see what happens. Wiggins did not play the last half of the season. I think that effected the teams. Surely Moody and Kuminga will make a leap. I full year of Payton will help too. I would not give Klay or Green extensions let them play for the money.
Poole, Kuminga and picks for Kat. Puts a shooter next to green. Looney backs them up. I think it’s a good idea if Kat is healthy
What has KAT won? He hasn’t even gotten his team to the second round WHEN they made the playoffs.That would be one of the worst trades in NBA history.