The Golden State Warriors kicked off January with a 16-16 record. They slipped to 8-8 soon after, but a thrilling win over the Oklahoma City Thunder lifted spirits. Unfortunately, the Phoenix Suns brought their high to a quick end. Now, sitting at 24-24, it’s clear something is missing. With the trade deadline looming, the front office can’t stay idle. A move is necessary. Not a huge one, but a reliable one could turn things around.
“We’re not in a position where we can just say: ‘Nah, we’re good. Let’s stand pat, “ Steve Kerr told The Athletic. That’s the reality of the Dubs. The 59-year-old HC shared that the GM is doing all he can to bring the right players to the team. In a time when other franchises fire their head coaches without hesitation, the Warriors front office has been kind. They’ve entrusted Coach Kerr with the team for the last 11 years.
Steve Kerr emphasized, “Everybody understands the business.” However, he noted, “It’s the hardest part” when players grow attached to their teammates and then face departures, whether it’s through trade, free agency, or “coaches getting fired”. Kerr explained that “you build these intimate relationships because you’re going through the fire together,” but suddenly, “people are gone.” He concluded, “It’s bizarre.”
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Steve Kerr put it bluntly: “We ask players to be loyal, to give everything for the team. But then, they might get traded.” It’s a tough pill to swallow. “It’s hard to reconcile as a player,” Kerr admitted. But, he added, “players must reconcile it to stay productive in their careers.” Some, like “Steph Curry and Kevin Durant,” are above that challenge, Kerr pointed out. The rest? They must learn to live with it.
At the same time, Kerr’s message was clear: “The vast majority of these guys need to realize they’re their own best asset.” To be valuable, he said, “you’ve got to be valuable to your team. Stay professional and accept that a lot of stuff can happen that’s no fun.” Moreover, it’s part of the job, he emphasized. For the veterans, “they understand it, they deal with it.” For the rest, it’s a tough lesson to learn.
Well, Steve Kerr isn’t the only one who’s concerned about the future of the Dubs. With the trade market heating up over the next five days, the front office needs to act fast. Besides, Stephen Curry has an important message for the team to think about.
Steve Kerr’s brightest star drops a clear message for the Warriors with the trade deadline looming
The Warriors are struggling around the rim, ranking near the bottom of the NBA in layups. Friday night, they were 10 of 24 on shots within four feet, while the Suns nailed 16 of 18. Stephen Curry‘s comments on their offensive woes echo his thoughts on the Feb. 6 trade deadline: “Anything to win.”
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He’s not here to disrupt the team, but “winning is all that matters.” Steve Kerr’s brightest star, who usually keeps issues quiet, has stirred the pot this season, even calling the Warriors “mid” as 2024 ended. “That’s not for me to make those decisions,” he said about a potential trade. “I want to win, so whatever it means to do that.”
When asked if he’d pressure the front office, Curry was clear: “Y’all will never know about that.” He added, “We have conversations all the time.” His focus? “I want to win.” Still, he knows his role: “I’m not a coach, I’m not a GM, I’m not an owner.” But, he said, “It’s pretty clear where I stand on trying to make whatever necessary adjustments there are to win.”
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Stephen Curry aims to win games and secure his fifth championship. And he’s visualizing his dreams with the Warriors and no other franchise. Besides, Steve Kerr’s emotional confession about the relationships in the NBA could imply something deeper. Well, that’s for the speculative bugs to wonder. Until then, all eyes would be on the Bay Area’s front office as the deadline is around and an immediate trade to bolster Curry’s dreams would be necessary.
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Is Steve Kerr's loyalty to players a strength or a weakness in today's NBA?
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