Warriors to Face Adversity Without Steve Kerr

By Yama Hazheer

Steve Kerr will take a leave of absence from the Golden State Warriors sideline. Last season, the Warriors were fortunate. They were healthy for majority of the season, from their players to their coaching staff. Kerr had a lot to do with it.

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He managed everyone’s minutes and made sure that they were fresh and ready to go for the playoffs. It paid off, as the Warriors were the team that hoisted the beloved Larry O’Brien trophy in June.

Unfortunately, injuries are a part of human nature.

Kerr underwent two back surgeries this offseason, one in July and another in September. Recently, he’s been quoted saying this summer has sucked for him and that it wasn’t what he imagined after winning a championship.

The team is hopeful that Kerr can be ready for the regular season, but they want him to come on his own time and when he feels he is set to go.

“I imagine he won’t be involved in practices or anything like that. If he wants to come watch and then leave, he’s welcome to do that,” Bob Myers said. “But for the next few days he’ll be away and we’ll go from there.”

Luke Walton will play the role of interim head coach while Kerr rests.

The 35-year-old has won the title twice as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers and was in his first year as an assistant coach for the Dubs last season.

Walton coached the Warriors Summer League team, but has no other coaching experience in the NBA. He was set to take over for Alvin Gentry this season, giving him that “offensive coordinator” mindset. Walton will resume his regular duties when Kerr returns.

As for now, he’s tested early. Regardless, the Warriors are confident in Walton.

“Luke is great. Luke is one of those people who was born with an understanding of the game of basketball. He’s respected, he’s a world champion in his own right as a player,” Myers said. “He’s got this good way about him. He’s a great communicator, grew up around the NBA his whole life so we’re confident that in Steve’s absence, he’ll step up.”

Walton is put in a tough spot. He noted that outside of Ron Adams, the coaching staff is fairly young and doesn’t have that veteran status in the league yet. Players like Steph Curry, Andre Iguodala, and Draymond Green might take it upon themselves to have bigger roles on and off the court to fill in for Kerr’s void.

The addition of Steve Nash to the coaching staff can be vital as well. Myers said he won’t have a limit on when the former two-time MVP can assist the Warriors and that he can help as much as he would like.

There can be some silver linings to this situation.

Walton will get a first-hand look at what it’s like to be the main guy to run a team. When he goes back to the assistant coaching role, he would have minor head coaching experience.

It’s also good that Kerr’s back issues are being taken care of in early October compared to in March or April.

The Warriors are being tested early. Championships don’t come easy; repeating to go back-to-back is even harder.

But the great teams overcome adversity.

Golden State is a great team. They have proven that they are. Led by Curry, the squad has potential to be better than they were last season. The core is young and has progressed every year. “We’ll keep this ship moving in the right direction until our captain [Steve Kerr] can return,” Walton said.