Steve Kerr to Return as Warriors HC in Game 2 of NBA Finals vs. Cavaliers

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is set to return to the bench for Game 2 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

Kerr hasn't coached since late April due to lingering problems from back surgery. 

Turner Sports' David Aldridge and ESPN's Ramona Shelburne provided the latest update on Kerr's status ahead of Sunday's contest at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

"My intention is to coach tonight and the rest of the series," Kerr told Aldridge, per Turner Sports' Kristen Ledlow. 

Kerr also joked about the state of the team, telling reporters: "The numbers are totally deceiving. You can talk 15-0 or whatever [Mike Brown] was, but I think the team is falling apart at the seams."

When Kerr took a leave of absence during Golden State's first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, he made it clear he wouldn't return until he felt confident there wouldn't be an immediate setback, per Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group.

"I will say this—this is not going to be a case where I'm coaching one night, not coaching the next," he said. "I'm not going to do that to our team, our staff. We're hoping that in the next week or two, whatever it is, I can sort of make a definitive realization, deduction, or feel that I'm just going to do this or I'm not."

The star-studded Warriors rolled through the Western Conference playoffs without dropping a single game despite his absence. After closing out the Blazers in four games, they proceeded to sweep the Utah Jazz and the injury-depleted San Antonio Spurs, too.

Despite being unable to take part in games, Kerr continued to take a hands-on approach during practice and film sessions. Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle noted he praised Brown before Game 1 of the Finals for making the entire operation run as smoothly as possible.

"He's been amazing," Kerr said. "On one hand, Mike has to coach the team as he sees fit ... as though it’s his team. But he’s also taking my advice and counsel behind the scenes. It’s not easy."

It's fair to wonder how much of an impact coaching makes for a squad with as much talent as Golden State. The team's dynamic offense has been running like a well-oiled machine for the entire postseason.

The success continued in Game 1 of the Finals. The Warriors pulled away after a tight first quarter to notch an emphatic 113-91 victory over the Cavs.

Ultimately, Kerr's return may not have much of a noticeable impact. Most of the necessary coaching is handled long before opening tip, but it could be a factor in late-game situations if Cleveland keeps Game 2 close.

The most notable storyline that could emerge is if the Warriors lose in Kerr's first game back. That could create a media firestorm about whether the coaching changes are having a negative effect on the team, even if the loss could be chalked up to an off night.