Steve Kerr’s controversial claim underpins Golden State Warriors issues

With an immensely young roster, and with a spate of injuries plaguing their season, the Golden State Warriors have leaned heavily on the production of two-way players Anthony Lamb and Ty Jerome.

The pair are nearing their 50-game limit on two-way contracts, meaning Bob Myers and the front office will have decisions to make on whether to retain them and have them eligible for what the Warriors hope is another postseason run.

Comments from Golden State Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr underpins the issues his team have had through the course of the 2022-23 season.

Minus stars Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, Lamb and Jerome played over 24 and 21 minutes respectively against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon. Steve Kerr paid credit to the duo in his post-game press conference, identifying Lamb’s defensive capacity which he claims is often overlooked.

"“Lamb does a whole lot of stuff that people don’t recognize. He’s one of our best defenders in terms of coming over and rotating, understanding our coverages, hitting bodies, boxing out…he can play multiple positions.”"

Responding to the comments, renowned TV host and analyst Kylen Mills said on Twitter –“got a lotta respect for Steve Kerr but he did not just say Anthony Lamb is one of the team’s best defenders…”

Mills’ comments are a greater reflection on the contrasting nature of how Kerr and the fanbase view Lamb. But at the very least, Kerr’s comments are an indictment on the construction of this Golden State roster.

According to Basketball Reference, the 25-year-old forward is sixth on the team in defensive box plus-minus, eighth in defensive win-shares, and 11th in defensive rating. Official NBA stats show Lamb has a defensive three-point field-goal percentage of 36%, and an an overall defensive field-goal percentage of 44.9% — both around league average.

This would suggest that Lamb is nothing more and nothing less than a solid, average NBA defender. Most would say the eye-test proves that as well. Kerr singling out his defense is surefire proof that this team lacks the high-level players needed on that end of the floor.

This is nothing against Lamb, he’s done a very good job given what’s been asked of him. The fanbases frustration more centers on why he’s been asked to do so much, and that, as a result, this flawed roster has diminished chances of repeating as NBA champions.