Steve Kerr acknowledged he must do a better job after a season he called subpar and confirmed he will return as Golden State’s coach for a 13th season, per the report. Kerr said, “I know I have to be better,” and added, “I didn’t have a great coaching year,” in his first media availability since deciding to stay. The team went 37-45 and missed the playoffs, the report says.
General manager Mike Dunleavy called the season “pretty underwhelming” and repeatedly pointed to the team’s turnover issues as the most glaring problem. Per the report, the Warriors averaged 15.7 turnovers per game, tied for third most in the league, and Kerr said he has been rewatching every turnover from the past season.
Kerr tied the turnovers to a combination of loose play and the roster’s age and injuries, saying the club spent a lot of time resting and that he needs to “tighten the ship up next year.” He mentioned the need to replenish the roster around 38-year-old Steph Curry with “younger legs” and more players capable of handling both sides of back-to-backs.
The report says that process will begin with the 11th overall pick in the upcoming draft, which team officials view as part of a loaded lottery portion. Dunleavy said he will consider all options with the pick — using it, trading up, trading back or packaging it in a trade for an established player. The report notes that the pick could be needed in any bid for a top star, but that the organization generally prefers to keep the selection and add a young prospect to an aging roster.
Kerr said he is committed to playing a rookie who earns minutes, adding, “Totally,” when asked if he would be committed to playing the pick. He said a week of deliberation and a conversation with his wife, Margot, convinced him to return, and a subsequent meeting with Dunleavy and controlling owner Joe Lacob solidified the shared vision for the club. Kerr also stressed that he is not “tired” or “burnt out” and plans to be in more regular contact with his players and staff, per the report.
