While they may not want to, the Golden State Warriors have to consider life after Steve Kerr. The most successful coach in franchise history completed his contract and currently faces an uncertain future with the franchise.
While the two sides could easily opt to continue their partnership, there’s also the possibility that the sides decide to go in different directions. In that scenario, the Warriors would need to identify a replacement for Kerr.
Could they look to bring back a familiar face?
Luke Walton Named Potential Replacement for Steve Kerr with Golden State Warriors
Luke Walton
Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley recently named Luke Walton as a potential replacement for Kerr.
Warriors fans will remember Walton as he served as an assistant coach under Kerr with the Warriors from 2014 to 2016. He then went on to serve as the head coach of both the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings. Currently, he’s serving as the lead assistant with the Detroit Pistons under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
“Walton was one of the hottest coaching commodities after serving as Golden State’s interim coach for 43 games of the 2015-16 season. Walton guided the Warriors to a 39-4 record in that time. Green and Curry both had the best season of their career that year,” Akeley wrote.
“The 46-year-old should be a hot commodity again. He has a rare combination of a) respect from his peers after playing 10 years in the NBA b) some head coaching experience and c) recent success as an assistant coach with teams on the rise.”
Kerr led the Warriors to four NBA championships during his time with the team and he was named one of the 15 best coaches in league history as a result. Given all that he has accomplished, it seems very likely that the Warriors would want to bring him back, especially while Steph Curry is still on the roster, but you never know.
Steve Kerr Doesn’t Know What the Future Holds For Him With the Warriors
Kerr spoke about his future after the Warriors were eliminated from playoff contention by the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Play-In Tournament and expressed a combination of uncertainty and gratitude.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Kerr said. “I still love coaching, but I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date. There is a run that happens, and when the run ends, sometimes it’s time for new blood and new ideas.
“If [my time is done], then I will be nothing but grateful for the most amazing opportunity any person could have to coach this franchise in front of our fans and to coach Steph Curry, [Draymond Green], the whole group,” Kerr added. “It may still go on. It may not. I don’t know at this point. But we all need to step away a little bit and then reconvene.”
Kerr said that he plans to take a week or two away from the team before meeting with the front office and ownership to make a collaborative decision on what the future will look like. In the meantime, Warriors fans will be waiting with bated breath.
Familiar Face Named as Potential Steve Kerr Replacement for Golden State Warriors