Steve Kerr’s future has been up for debate all season.
If thelongtime Warriors coachis back on the bench for a 13th season next fall, count wins like Thursday night’simprobable triumph over the Rocketsas a primary reason.
Conventional wisdom has always assumed that Kerr’s timeline with Golden State would coincide neatly with the superstar assassin with whom he has won four NBA titles.
Steph Curryis locked up through next season, and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. negotiated extensions with Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler to line up with Curry.
All signs pointed to Kerr doing the same and giving Golden State’s aging core a definitive window to possibly add a fifth Larry O’Brien Trophy to its dynasty.
But Kerr, 60, wasn’t up for the commitment. He is coaching this season on an expiring deal and has repeatedly declined to address his future until after the year.
“Hopefully I’m here for another few years,” Kerr said at the opening of training camp, emphasizing his close relationships with Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob. “But I think it makes sense for the organization, and for me, just to see where this thing is at the end of the year.”
There have been instances this season that could claim sole responsibility for another strand of gray hair or newly formed wrinkle on the face of Kerr, now a grandfather. The saga with Jonathan Kuminga devolved into a headache for everyone involved. Kerr, typically thoughtful and passionate, has beenforced to walk back public commentson more than one subject.
On the court, Kerr’s read-and-react system that produced the beautiful basketball once associated with the Warriors isn’t as novel as it once was; they’ve been lapped by teams younger, faster, more athletic and equally adept at quick decision-making and shooting 3s.
Injuries to Curry and Butler, coupled with Green’s decline, have only complicated things further.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
