Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr told The Athletic that he will not be moving on from Steph Curry despite entering the final year of his contract. Kerr coached Curry for 12 seasons and won four championships with Curry and Draymond Green at the core of the Warriors.
Curry is 37 years old and in his 17th NBA season. Kerr emphasized his commitment to the partnership he has built with the future Hall of Fame guard.
Kerr first saw Curry play during his second year at Davidson, while he was general manager of the Phoenix Suns. He almost traded for Curry on draft day before the deal fell through.
“When I came here five years later (after Curry was drafted, Curry) had already established himself as an All-Star,” Kerr said. “And my goal was just to help him get even better and win a championship. And we did that in the first year and win three more and form a partnership that I will be grateful for my whole life because it goes way beyond how good a basketball player he is.”
Kerr praised Curry’s character outside of basketball. He called the guard one of the best people he has worked with during his career.
“He’s one of the best people I’ve ever met in my life. And to come to work every day and see that Steph has made everything about this job,” Kerr said.
Golden State acquired Jimmy Butler last season and defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Curry suffered a hamstring injury in the following series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ending the Warriors’ season.
Kerr said he appreciates the pursuit of another championship regardless of the outcome. The Warriors coach has won a total of nine championships as a player and coach.
“I think the attempt when you’re in it is the most important thing,” Kerr said. “Obviously we all know the ring culture. We all focus on who won. But there is something beautiful in the fight, in the quest.”
Kerr coached Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant on the U.S. Olympic team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The trio won gold after Curry scored 36 points against Serbia in the semifinals and hit a three-pointer in the final.
“What will stay with me forever is that in that moment, LeBron and Kevin deferred to Steph,” Kerr said. “And it showed you their respect for him, and it also showed you what kind of basketball players they are, how unselfish they are, because Steph made it happen.”
Kerr acknowledged the role of luck in building the Warriors dynasty. The franchise searched for a generational player for decades before Curry was drafted.
“Have the Warriors gone 40 years without Steph? Probably,” Kerr said. “So you have to be lucky there in the NBA.”
The Warriors have struggled with injuries and an aging roster this season. Their playoff run last season before Curry’s injury gives the team hope for another championship bid.
“I will never leave Steph Curry,” Kerr said.
#Steve #Kerr #vows #stay #Stephen #Curry #expiration #contract