Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr conscious of protecting Steph, Klay, and himself, from fatigue

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr reveals his contemplation of taking a sabbatical from the NBA. However, he has decided against it to remain dedicated to his core group of players, including Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

Kerr, during a virtual press call with international media, states that he plans to rotate his players throughout the season to combat fatigue and prevent burnout for himself as well.

As a former player who won five NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, Kerr emphasizes the uniqueness of each person and situation. He cherishes the opportunity to coach this team and acknowledges the lasting camaraderie with Steph, Klay, and Draymond, spanning almost a decade. In the absence of these players, Kerr admits he might have considered a sabbatical.

While taking a break might be refreshing and rejuvenating in some ways, Kerr’s affection for his team and their championship window keeps him rooted. He expresses his desire to continue coaching them for the foreseeable future.

Kerr explains that there are valid arguments for pursuing different coaching directions, but he takes into account his particular circumstances. Presently, he affirms his love for coaching the Warriors and being surrounded by his team.

He draws a parallel between the season and a European football cup competition, highlighting the importance of player rotation to secure minutes while preserving their fitness for the crucial end-of-season push. Emphasizing the long-term health of the team, Kerr assures that they will approach the tournament competently but not exhaust their key players like Steph Curry.

Kerr mentions the positive impact of player rotation on certain individuals, including Jonathan Kuminga, a forward from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kuminga, alongside Moses Moody, recently had his contract renewed for a fourth year with the Warriors.

Responding to whether Kuminga embodies the increasing recognition of African players for their diverse skill sets, Kerr affirms the ongoing evolution. He credits the development and coaching provided through training centers in Africa, predicting that more skilled players will emerge from the continent.

Kerr’s familiarity with basketball development in Africa stems from his teenage years spent in Cairo and his coaching experience at Basketball Without Borders Africa in 2022.

There are promising indications that 21-year-old Kuminga, averaging 11.3 points per game in the 2023-24 season, is poised for a breakout NBA season in his third year. The in-season tournament could serve as an opportunity for him to gain more playing time and potentially become a successor to the core trio in the years to come.