If Cavs win Game 2, could Steve Kerr return to coach Golden State in Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals?
If the Warriors lose Game 2 of the NBA Finals, could that mean the return of Steve Kerr to the Golden State bench?
As acting head coach of the Golden State Warriors, Mike Brown is showing the NBA world why he deserves to be a head coach in the association.
The two-time former Cavs coach who is still accepting checks from Dan Gilbert, has helped guide Golden State to a 13-0 start through the playoffs, but could one slip up open the door for Steve Kerr to return to the bench?
Kerr relinquished his head coaching to duties earlier this season to heal from the ramifications of back surgery.
Here’s what Kerr’s been going through, from Forbes.com contributor Bruce Yee.
"“…Kerr has been dealing with since his first back surgery: leaking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Your brain and connected spinal cord are pretty sensitive. Not sensitive in an emo type of way, but sensitive in that they can be easily damaged. Therefore, the brain and spinal cord sit in a “balloon” filled with clear fluid, called CSF, that cushions and protects these vital structures. This CSF bath helps ward off nasty microbes too. Normally the ‘balloon’ membrane keeps the CSF from leaking out, but if this membrane is punctured, during an accident or surgery for example, then the CSF is no longer contained."
But even with Kerr’s problems, the 2015-2016 NBA Coach of the Year, and the Warriors have been leaving open a return to the bench.
Why would Kerr risk further injury or complications to his rehabilitation? Brown is a good coach and at this point, the Warriors practically run themselves with their Big 4 of Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
San Jose Mercury News Warriors beat reporter Tim Kawakami doesn’t believe Kerr will coach this series, but acknowledged that if Golden State drops a game, say Game 2, circumstances would chance and Kerr could find his way back to the bench.
Kawakami made the comments during an episode of the Bay Area Insiders around the 16:00 mark.
“My realistic, practical look at this is They are going to say might, might, might. He’s not going to coach. Then, if they lose a game or two, then they might re-think a lot things. Then the standard… that’s cynical, but that’s competition, too…maybe it becomes a much more practical question if they lose a game and maybe they could use a jump start and put Steve on the bench. Until then, I don’t think Steve is going to coach.”
Kawakami also pointed out what could be a potential disaster for the Warriors, and Kerr. What if Kerr has a “bad night,” the scribe wondered aloud.
And he’s right.
The Warriors are competing for an NBA title. Flipping head coaches in the NBA Finals isn’t exactly a welcomed distraction. How would the players react to seeing their head coach’s health falter in what was supposed to be a triumphant return.
Next: When will Ty Lue call on Derrick Williams?
Game 2 tips off from Oracle Arena Sunday at 8 p.m. ABC will carry the television broadcast.