The Warriors are heading into this season with a very different vibe than they had at around this same time last season.
Last year they were fresh off a championship, but there was a lot of uncertainty about the health of Steve Kerr.
Due to complications from back surgery, Kerr was forced to miss the first 43 games last season while Luke Walton filled in as head coach.
As preseason basketball is about to begin, the circumstances surrounding the Warriors this year are certainly different.
Although they signed Kevin Durant and successfully revamped their roster after winning 73 games last year, they ended the 2015-2016 season on a bad note.
Despite being up 3-1 in the NBA Finals, the Warriors couldn’t complete their quest for back-to-back championships, eventually falling to the Cavaliers.
The Warriors should be hungrier than ever to get back to the top of the mountain, and although he’s not yet fully recovered at this point, Kerr shouldn’t miss extended time like he did last year.
Bob Myers says that Kerr is feeling better now than he was at the beginning of last season. Spinal fluid leakage has caused Kerr to have intense headaches. He originally took his leave of absence two days into training camp last season.
“He is in a better place, and hopefully he’s in a perfect place at some point,” said Myers. “I think he’s working towards that. I have no doubt that he’s ready for camp and ready to go for the season.”
It was encouraging that Kerr was able to return as quickly as he did last season and continue for the entire rest of the regular season and playoffs uninterrupted.
Kerr is both a great motivator as well as a skilled tactician. We’re thrilled at the progress he has made, and wish him all the best for this upcoming season.