After that ugly loss last Saturday night in Milwaukee, it is clear the Golden State Warriors are struggling without head coach Steve Kerr. It might even be time to bring in Jerry Colangelo for a course correction.
Or not. Luke Walton is on pace to be the Western Conference All-Star Game coach as an interim — but of course the league says he shouldn’t get credit for the wins — and the Warriors are off to the fastest start in NBA history. Stephen Curry is trying to run away with the MVP by the quarter pole. Draymond Green should be an All-Star. The Warriors are clicking at 24-1.
Still, Kerr wants to return to the bench. He’s recovering from multiple back surgeries during the off-season but told Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News he planned to return to the Warriors’ sideline. Eventually.
Asked Kerr if there was ever a thought he might miss the whole season. Kerr: "I don't think that way at all. I think I'll be back...
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) December 15, 2015
More Kerr: "I don't know exactly when, but I think I will be back coaching again this season." Said this home stand will be a good measure.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) December 15, 2015
Kerr on Luke Walton's performance as interim coach: "I thought we'd go 25-0 to be honest with you." (Laughs.)
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) December 15, 2015
SK: "I sent him text after the Milwaukee game; I said, 'What the hell are you doing? You have no idea what you're doing, do you?' Joking!"
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) December 15, 2015
Kerr would not have messed with the streak and returned during it; he understands what Bull Durham reminded us all — don’t mess with a streak. If you think you’re winning because of Luke Walton, you’re winning because of Luke Walton.
Much like they do with their players, the Warriors will take their time and not rush Kerr back. They don’t need to. Eventually, when this teams stumbles a little, and as it heads to the playoffs, they will need him to push the right buttons.
For now, he can get his back right and know that the team is holding its own in the West fairly well.
