Steve Kerr Reflects on His Future with the Warriors
PHOENIX — In the aftermath of the Golden State Warriors’ elimination from the play-in tournament, head coach Steve Kerr has raised questions about his future with the organization. Following the defeat against the Phoenix Suns, Kerr hinted at the possibility of stepping away from the role he has held for over a decade.
“It might still go on. It may not,” Kerr stated when reflecting on the end of the season.
As the game concluded, Kerr shared a poignant moment with star players Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, appearing to express gratitude. When pressed about the specifics of their exchange, Kerr responded, “None of your business,” with a smile.
Both Curry and Green expressed a strong desire for Kerr to return next season. Kerr’s future has been shrouded in speculation, particularly as he navigated the final year of his contract. This season marked the Warriors’ fourth absence from the playoffs in the last seven years.
Curry articulated his hopes for Kerr’s happiness in his role, saying, “I want him to be excited about the job. I want him to believe he’s the right guy for the job.” He underscored that Kerr’s personal decision is paramount, adding, “He knows how I feel about him. That shouldn’t even need to be said.”
Green, who has been a steadfast presence on the team, shared his reluctance to consider a future without Kerr. “I just don’t deal with change well. I don’t love it,” he remarked. “I hope that’s not the case, but we’ll see what happens.”
Kerr, in his 12th season with Golden State, boasts a remarkable coaching record of 604-353, having led the Warriors to the NBA Finals in each of his first five seasons. His playoff success is equally impressive, holding a record of 104-48, which results in a winning percentage of .684, the second-highest among coaches with over 100 playoff games.
Looking ahead, Kerr mentioned plans to meet with team owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy to discuss the future. “We’ll talk about what’s next for the Warriors, what the plan is this offseason,” he said, indicating that such discussions might take place in the coming weeks. He noted, “These jobs all have an expiration date,” acknowledging the natural transitions within sports coaching.
Kerr also hinted at the factors influencing his decision, keeping those details private. “If it’s right, it’s right. And if it’s not, it’s not,” he stated.
Curry, concluding his 17th season with the Warriors, expressed that he intends to play for “multiple” more years and is interested in a contract extension. “It’ll be a busy summer for the Warriors,” he added with a smile.
This past season, the Warriors finished with a 37-45 record, grappling with injuries and significant challenges. They managed a notable comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers before succumbing to the Suns in the decisive play-in game.
Reflecting on the season’s challenges, Kerr remarked, “This was as tough a season as you can have, with the injuries, with all kinds of adversity. They kept going… to show that kind of fight. And then tonight, we just didn’t have it.”
Kerr has often expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach, having played alongside legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, alongside guiding Curry, whom he considers the epitome of a franchise player. As he put it, “The only thing I’ve learned is that I’m the luckiest guy in the NBA’s history.”
