Steve Kerr has seen and heard it all.
That includes the white-knuckled chants calling for him to be fired or retire.
So, how should Warriors fans feel about Kerr’s decision to return as Golden State’s coach?
They should be thanking their lucky stars.
We all know that Kerr helped transform the Warriors into the league’s modern day dynasty, winning four championships over eight years from 2015-2022.
But let’s take a second to think about what that entailed.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, left, reacts next to guard Stephen Curry during the first half of Game 2 in a second-round NBA playoff basketball series against the Memphis Grizzlies in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, May 5, 2015. AP
He was smart enough to allow Curry to shoot from anywhere, which forever changed the game of basketball.
He was genuine enough to gain the respect of Draymond Green, who trusted him so much that they could share heated words and then Kerr could turn around and guide Green during his most vulnerable moments.
He was skilled enough to unlock the team’s role players, including helping Andre Iguodala become the 2015 Finals MVP.
Has Kerr had missteps? Absolutely. Was the denigration of his relationship with Jonathan Kuminga unfortunate? Sure, and he’s the first to admit that. Have some of his lineup changes been questionable? Absolutely.
But overall, Kerr is one of the best coaches the NBA has seen.
He’s smart. He has a special way of getting through to players. And he’s deeply competitive.
Kerr’s superpower is he can relate to anyone on the roster, players one through 15. He knows what it takes to be a role player after winning five championships alongside such names as Michael Jordan, David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
He learned how to sacrifice. And he learned how to stand up for himself. (Remember when he shoved Jordan in the chest during a very intense scrimmage and then took a punch from the megastar?)
The Warriors quickly transformed into a dynasty after Kerr took over the helm in May 2014, winning their first championship in 2015. The following season, they finished with the best record in NBA history, winning 73 games before blowing a 3-1 series lead in the Finals against the Cavaliers.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, laughs with Warriors coach Steve Kerr during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Thursday, March 1, 2018, in Washington. AP
The Warriors remained atop the league for years, something that’s stunningly difficult. The proof? Over the last eight seasons, there have been eight different NBA champions.
Over the last four years, things have changed for the Warriors.
Since winning their last title in 2022, they haven’t gotten past the second round of the playoffs. In two of those seasons, they missed the postseason altogether.
When Kerr’s contract expired after last season, he spent a lot of time reflecting on whether returning was right for the Warriors and him.
But ultimately, he decided he still genuinely loved coaching. The team’s brass wanted him back. And he knew this was his last chance to work with Curry, who turns 39 next season, and Green, who turns 37, both of whom wanted Kerr to return to the helm.
Kerr, who’s introspective and self-deprecating, acknowledged a lot of things need to improve next season, including his coaching. He said he rewatched every turnover the Warriors committed. He wants to revisit the fundamentals. He wants to impart mental sharpness.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, looks on from the bench as head coach Steve Kerr, right, yells out to the floor during the first half of an NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, Saturday, February 10, 2018. EPA
Saying those things in front of reporters was notable. In a league where coaches are scapegoats, he’s not afraid to take responsibility. To admit weakness. To recalibrate.
So, both Kerr and the Warriors are going into next season with a new mentality.
Kerr wants to help Curry and Green ride off into the sunsets of their careers with dignity, while also trying to see how far they can take this.
They know they’re not going to be champions next season, barring something extraordinary happening ahead of the trade deadline. But they’re deeply competitive, and there’s something beautiful about them beginning their dynastic run together and closing that chapter alongside one another. Still fighting. Still championing each other.
Kerr did some soul-searching. He decided he wasn’t done. He tapped into his fire again. His why.
We’re lucky we get to witness Kerr, Curry and Green again. They’ve been together for 12 seasons. That’s unheard of in the modern NBA, where loyalty has become as valued as snail mail.
Curry is the greatest shooter ever. Green is a Hall of Fame defender. And Kerr has been the fearless captain of the ship, patching up more holes than we’ll ever know.
For at least two more seasons, we’ll get to witness Kerr’s basketball intellect, his humor and his leadership.
And it’s something we should be grateful for.
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