Stephen Curry Hopes to Finish Career Playing for Steve Kerr
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Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry says he has no interest in playing for any coach other than Steve Kerr as he moves toward the end of his NBA career.
“I don’t want to,” Curry told ESPN’s Anthony Slater in an exclusive interview when asked about the possibility of finishing his playing days under a different coach. “We deserve that opportunity to ride it out.”
The two contracts are not aligned: Kerr has one season left on his deal, while Curry is under contract for two more years. The 37-year-old guard acknowledged that roster decisions are never fully in a player’s hands, but indicated he is hopeful ownership will keep the partnership intact.
Eleven Seasons, Four Titles
Curry and Kerr have worked together since 2014, winning four NBA championships and turning Golden State into one of the league’s modern dynasties. Kerr replaced Mark Jackson with a mandate to push the team over the hump, a goal he accomplished during his first season on the bench.
Early Trust-Building
Although Curry publicly supported Jackson at the time of the coaching change, he never carried a grudge toward Kerr. The pair first connected during a round of golf at Pebble Beach alongside team owner Joe Lacob and Curry’s father, Dell. On the course, Kerr outlined offensive concepts designed to maximize the Warriors’ shooting and discussed the franchise’s decision to part ways with Jackson.
Honesty at the Core
The relationship has been tested over the years. After Golden State’s 2016 Finals loss, Kerr criticized Curry’s late behind-the-back pass that led to a turnover, a comment that stung the two-time MVP. Kerr later visited Curry at home to apologize, and the two cleared the air.
Kerr continues to coach his star aggressively. During a January win over Toronto last season, he called out Curry in front of the team for a string of turnovers while Curry was playing through injury. “He’s on Steph’s ass all the time,” teammate Draymond Green said, adding that Kerr routinely pushes Curry on defense and ball security.
With each passing season, the coach-player duo edges closer to what could be their “last dance.” Curry’s preference is clear: he wants Kerr alongside him until the final buzzer of his career.
Source: Basketball Insiders
