DeMarcus Cousins Rips Steve Kerr, Says Warriors HC 'Doesn’t Handle Young Talent Well'

Steve Kerr has established himself as one of the best coaches this century with four titles and six Finals appearances, but one of his former players said there's one area he struggles in.

DeMarcus Cousins, who spent the 2018-19 season with the Golden State Warriors, said Kerr doesn't do well when it comes to developing young players. Cousins specifically noted Jonathan Kuminga, who has had a decent start to his career but hasn't taken the leap to being an All-Star-caliber player.

Cousins said the lack of development could lead to Kuminga wanting out this offseason.

"I think they lost Kuminga. I think Steve Kerr ruined that relationship this year with the DNPs," Cousins said on Run It Back. "We've seen this happen time and time again when it comes to him and dealing with young talent. "He just doesn't handle young talent well. He doesn't develop. Out of the years he's been there, we've seen one guy develop under Steve Kerr, and they ran him off as well, that was Jordan Poole. When it comes to young talent, I just don't think that he handles it well."

In Kerr's defense, developing young talent isn't something the Warriors have had to worry about over the last decade as they've had a steady stream of established vets. With stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and others coming to Golden State, young players haven't had much of an opportunity to stand out on the Dubs' roster.

But Kerr's ability to develop young talent could be put to the test in the coming years. While the Warriors still have veterans they can rely on, Curry, Draymond Green and their current co-star, Jimmy Butler, are likely nearing the end of their careers.

Golden State is still a championship-caliber team, but the Dubs could be entering rebuilding territory in the coming years.