Steph Curry Plans to Finish Career Under Coach Steve Kerr
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Golden State Warriors star guard Stephen Curry says he wants Steve Kerr to remain his head coach for as long as he plays in the NBA.
In an exclusive interview with ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the 37-year-old guard made clear he has “no desire” to suit up for another coach. “I don’t want to,” Curry said when asked about the possibility of finishing his career without Kerr on the Warriors’ bench. “We deserve that, I feel. Things change in this league. We can only control so much. But I think we’re in a very unique situation that we deserve the opportunity to ride it out.”
Kerr’s contract runs for one more season, while Curry is signed for two. The mismatch in contract length prompted speculation about whether the two could be separated before Curry retires, a scenario the two-time MVP hopes to avoid. Curry’s influence inside the organization gives his comments considerable weight as the Warriors evaluate Kerr’s future.
Eleven Seasons, Four Titles
Curry and Kerr have worked together since 2014, capturing four NBA championships and solidifying their partnership as one of the league’s most successful player-coach duos. Kerr took over from Mark Jackson with a mandate to elevate a promising roster. The move initially upset Curry, who had been vocal in his support of Jackson, but the guard says he never held a grudge against Kerr.
The two first connected during a round of golf at Pebble Beach, teaming up against team governor Joe Lacob and Curry’s father, Dell. Conversation that day ranged from the firing of Jackson to the possibility of trading Klay Thompson for Kevin Love, and to Kerr’s vision of an offense built to unlock the Warriors’ potential. “I’m here to help you build on the foundation that Mark has already built,” Kerr later recalled telling Curry.
Honesty Has Driven the Relationship
Kerr and Curry credit open dialogue for their longevity. After the Warriors lost the 2016 NBA Finals, Kerr publicly said Curry “could’ve been smarter” on a late behind-the-back pass that resulted in a turnover. The comment stung, leading Kerr to visit Curry’s home and apologize in a private meeting.
The dynamic remains candid. Last season, while Curry battled injuries and turnover issues in a win over the Toronto Raptors, Kerr called out his star in front of the team. “Most people think Steph can do what he wants,” Draymond Green said. “No. He’s on Steph’s ass all the time—defense, turnovers. He coaches Steph really, really, really hard.”
With each passing season, the Warriors inch closer to the end of a partnership that has defined the franchise’s modern era. Curry, however, is determined to see it through with the coach who helped guide him to four titles.
Source: Basketball Insiders
