Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Steve Kerr’s health could be a real issue

By Carlos Murillo

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr speaks to media following the 93-89 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers following game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr speaks to media following the 93-89 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers following game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr is still dealing with issues stemming from his back surgery following the 2015 Finals. His health could be a problem.

Steve Kerr has excelled at everything that he’s done. He won five championships during his playing career. He then had a successful time as a General Manager before becoming a respected analyst on TNT. Two years ago, he jumped from the booth to the sidelines and become the head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

He had a magical first year. He completely transformed the Warriors’ offense and helped elevate Stephen Curry to MVP-level. He set the record for most wins by a rookie coach and became the first rookie coach to win a championship since Pat Riley led the Los Angeles Lakers to glory in the1982 NBA Finals.

After celebrating the Warriors’ first championship in 40 years, Kerr had to leave training camp to rehabilitate his back. He had offseason surgery and he needed time to recover. In the meantime, Luke Walton took over and led the Warriors to a historic start, starting 39-4. He came back because the team needed him, but he wasn’t ready. He said he suffered from spinal fluid leaks and blinding migraines.

Kerr returned and the Warriors broke the single-season record for wins in a season. They made their second straight trip to the NBA Finals. They fell short of the ultimate prize, falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7.

Bob Myers gave KNBR an update on Kerr’s status:

"I think he’s better than he was last year at this time, but he’s not completely better. He’s on the mend. I think we’re still waiting for the day when he’s 100 percent. He’s in a better place, and he’s dealing with it the best he can. He’s on the path to recovery, to be honest. I think he’s trending in the right direction. I will celebrate the day when it’s completely 100 percent and he feels like he did before."

With all of the Kevin Durant hoopla, Kerr’s status flew under the radar. Most assumed that he was fine. But, clearly, he’s not. And it could mean trouble for Golden State.

Kerr has been fortunate to have a wonderful staff that has helped him make crucial decisions over the last two years. Ron Adams has been invaluable in crafting an amazing defense. Alvin Gentry, now the head coach of the new Orleans Pelicans, was a fantastic right-hand man for Kerr. And Walton, now with the Lakers, kept the team running at a high-level during Kerr’s absence.

The Warriors still have Adams. But their staff isn’t what it was two years ago. If Kerr has to miss time again, then it might be between Jarron Collins and newcomer Mike Brown to take the reigns. While Collins seems to be the next in line to find a head coaching job, it’s unknown if he’s ready to handle Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Kevin Durant. And while Mike Brown has done some good things in the league, he doesn’t seem to be the ideal fit for the Warriors in that capacity.

The Warriors have the most talent in the league, but they’ll need their coach to be ready to go. if he needs extended time to recover some more, Golden State could be in trouble as they try to find themselves with new players.

Home/Warriors News