Steve Kerr Underwent Multiple Back Surgeries in Offseason
While members of the Golden State Warriors basked in the glow of the Larry O'Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015 NBA Finals, head coach Steve Kerr didn't get to partake in many of the offseason festivities.
According to ESPN.com's Ethan Sherwood Strauss, Kerr underwent two surgeries to repair a herniated disk in his back since the end of the season. Kerr's first procedure took place on July 28, and the second surgery occurred on Sept. 4, just weeks before the start of training camp.
"Well, to be honest, the last couple months have stunk for me," Kerr told reporters Friday, per Strauss. "I'm not kidding. I've had a rough go physically this summer. Two back surgeries, and it has not been fun. It wasn't the summer I was envisioning after winning the title, thinking, 'This is the greatest thing ever.'"
Additionally, Kerr told reporters he'll "probably have to take a little bit of a back seat during camp," but doesn't expect to be absent for road trips, per Strauss.
If there's good news for the Warriors it's that they have a solid assisting coaching staff and stable veteran core that can survive while Kerr rests up and regains strength for the regular season.
On July 29, Golden State announced its 2015-16 coaching staff would consist of Kerr, Luke Walton, defensive guru Ron Adams, Jarron Collins and Bruce Fraser. Alvin Gentry, who previously filled Walton's assistant spot, was hired as the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans in late May.
The Warriors also recently announced the hiring of NBA legend Steve Nash as a player development consultant.
With Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Andrew Bogut, Harrison Barnes and reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry all returning to the Bay Area for a shot at back-to-back titles, Kerr's slow start to the season will likely just represent a minor detour on the team's championship roadmap.
