Steve Kerr has had more success in his first three years of coaching than anyone could have dreamed, as well as more heartbreak and struggle than anyone anticipated. Could this be the year he ascends to his rightful place in the coaching pantheon?
Steve Kerr is as elemental to the Warriors as any of its players. His coaching philosophy of constant moving and passing unleashed the hidden potential of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and the rest of the team.
His close friendship with General Manager Bob Myers has fostered the open communication and collaboration that defines the team’s egalitarian strategy.
Depending on how much you enjoy Draymond’s media appearances, Kerr is the most interesting and insightful member of the organization. He’s unafraid to weigh in on anything from his own mistakes to the President of the United States.
Even through all the success and the championships, some rather large question marks dot Steve Kerr’s resume. His insistence on his motion offense last year frustrated fans who longed to see Steph and Kevin Durant let loose.
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Some coaching missteps in the 2016 NBA finals were as crucial to the blown 3-1 lead as Steph’s injury and Draymond’s ejection.
Most tragically, his unfortunate spinal fluid leak sidelined him at inopportune times while the team moved on seemingly unaffected. This is a tribute to his success; the culture he created lived on in his absence.
However, the Dubs didn’t just survive without Kerr – they thrived.
Their 24 game win streak to open the 2015-16 season under Luke Walton is arguably the greatest the Warriors ever played. When Mike Brown took over during last year’s playoffs, the Durant-Curry pairing finally reached its potential as they bulldozed through every team.
The Upcoming Challenges
Steve Kerr enters this new season with more to prove than any of his players. He has to prevent the “disease of more” from pervading the locker room after the championship glow fades away. There are young players who need to be rotation ready. He has to steady a group that will be facing more media and political pressure than any team in recent memory.
This all means that Steve Kerr has a chance to shine. He’s the mastermind of a team that has revolutionized the NBA.
Through his philosophies, the Warriors have built a culture that affects and empowers the whole organization. Kerr’s unconventional and forward-thinking strategies have proved unstoppable in the playoffs.
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When they were down against the Grizzlies in 2015, he used Bogut as a roving defender. He pivoted away from the small-ball style in the Western Finals to slow down the Thunder.
Even last year, he dropped the hammer against the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals by unearthing the unstoppable Curry/Durant pick and roll.
Steve Kerr might not be able to solve his health problems, but it only makes his accomplishments more impressive.
If he can guide the Warriors to a fourth straight season of domination, we’ll have to get ready to make room for him in the coaching pantheon. Picture Steve Kerr on the coaching Mount Rushmore alongside Red Auerbach, Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, and Greg Popovich. He’s well on his way!