Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Kerr’s message to Joseph further evidence of Golden State Warriors’ playoff issues

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the warm up before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 25, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the warm up before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 25, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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A lack of team cohesion plagued the Golden State Warriors throughout their 2022-23 campaign, becoming glaringly more evident as their second-round playoff exit offered a divide between the franchise’s two-timeline aspirations.

It was of stark contrast to their championship-winning season the year before, and it’s undoubtedly an element the Warriors will be looking to regain as they seek to remain in title contention.

Newly acquired point-guard Cory Joseph has revealed how his initial conversations with head coach Steve Kerr led to his signing with the Golden State Warriors.

It appears Steve Kerr is playing key architect of rediscovering his team’s morale this offseason, ensuring Golden State undertake a team-first culture embodied by superstar and two-time MVP Stephen Curry.

Speaking with Kron4 News’ Jason Dumas, new Warrior guard Cory Joseph — who agreed upon a one-year, minimum contract with the franchise on Sunday — revealed his initial discussions with Kerr.

"“He was just telling me, basically, look over here, if you’ve been watching us, you know the culture over here and we need somebody like you who is not an entitled person… who is selfless and it’s all about winning.”"

After a postseason where Golden State youngsters Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga were left frustrated by a lack of playing time, this isn’t the first time that Kerr has referenced the need for a selfless, team-first attitude.

Speaking with veteran forward Draymond Green during the NBA Finals, Kerr credited the Heat by stating, “none of those guys on Miami are sitting there saying, ‘well I didn’t play’ or ‘man they put in so and so’. 

That was surely a not-so-subtle message to the Warrior youngsters, and shortly after Poole was dealt to the Washington Wizards in exchange for 38-year-old Chris Paul. Kuminga remains with the franchise for now, but even his future has been a source of speculation following his axing from the rotation during the playoffs.

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With the addition of two veteran point-guards, Golden State appear set on bringing in players who they know will buy-in and build upon the culture they’re trying to reclaim. Joseph, an 11-year NBA veteran, won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014.

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