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USA V Slovenia – Torneo Ciudad De Malaga. Steve Kerr and Tyron Lue of USA Team in action during the Torneo Ciudad de Malaga, basketball match played between USA and Slovenia on August 12, 2023, in Malaga, Spain. Malaga Spain PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJonxImanolxReinox originalFilename:reinorenon-usavslov230812_np03A.jpg
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USA V Slovenia – Torneo Ciudad De Malaga. Steve Kerr and Tyron Lue of USA Team in action during the Torneo Ciudad de Malaga, basketball match played between USA and Slovenia on August 12, 2023, in Malaga, Spain. Malaga Spain PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJonxImanolxReinox originalFilename:reinorenon-usavslov230812_np03A.jpg
Amidst the noise around playing for Team USA, comes a name who won’t be part of it for too long. But this time it’s not a player but a coach who has led Team USA to several milestones. With the departure of the coach after this summer, what is to see is if not him, then who?
The Golden State Warriors coach, Steve Kerr, recently spoke on his time to move on from USA Basketball since the start of his coaching journey in 2014, with the Warriors.
The departure
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In a recent interview with the Athletic, the Warriors coach expressed his intent to step down as Team USA coach after the upcoming Paris Olympics. Kerr answered with a clear “No” when asked about his intent to coach Team USA after the Paris Olympics.
NBA’s Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts during a news conference before game against Dallas Mavericks following a shooting at an elementary school at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, in Dallas, U.S., May 24, 2022 in this still image obtained from a social media video May 25, 2022. Courtesy of Golden State Warriors/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
NBA’s Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts during a news conference before game against Dallas Mavericks following a shooting at an elementary school at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, in Dallas, U.S., May 24, 2022 in this still image obtained from a social media video May 25, 2022. Courtesy of Golden State Warriors/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Kerr assisted Gregg Popovich in coaching the team for World cup in 2019 and then the Olympics in 2020. With now being the head coach for the 2024 Olympics, the Warriors’ coach believes he is ready to pass over the responsibility, just like Gregg Popovich did when he was replaced in 2021.
The coach who led Team USA to the 2021 Olympics win believes it to be a big commitment now after years of establishing the culture. “Made sense for Coach K to stay on. But I think where we are now, one cycle and you move on”, he said, giving the example of Mike Krzyzewski, who was around for a few years in the coaching scene.
Who’s next?
As the time of Kerr with Team USA is close to its end, the search for the ideal replacement for his position begins.
The one who could be an ideal match for the role is the Miami Heat‘s head coach, Erik Spoelstra. The coach who has led the Heat to two NBA titles has to be the first preference for the role and has also been part of the Team USA coaching staff. Gregg has previously shown interest in coaching Team USA and putting in his hard work for the same. The Heat coach currently holds a record of 706-495 in his coaching career.
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Read More: Steph Curry Explains How Important Steve Kerr Was to His Career
Another potential match is the LA Clippers‘ coach, Tyronn Lue. He again has previously expressed it to be a dream for him. He joined in as part of the Team USA coaching staff in February of this year as a replacement for Monty Williams. The Clippers’ coach holds a record of 243-180 in his coaching career.
The head coach of Gonzaga men’s basketball, Mark Few, is again an ideal contender for the role. He has also been named as a part of the coaching staff already. With a 677-134 record as a head coach, hiring him would be no shocker.
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With these potential matches for the role, the suspense around who we are going to witness leading Team USA after the Paris Game remains. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.
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