Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr told The Athletic he will not leave Steph Curry despite entering the final year of his contract. Kerr has coached Curry for 12 seasons and won four championships with the Warriors’ core of Curry and Draymond Green.
Curry is 37 years old and in his 17th NBA season. Kerr emphasized his commitment to the partnership he has built with the future Hall of Fame guard.
Kerr first watched Curry play during his sophomore year at Davidson while Phoenix Suns general manager. He nearly traded for Curry on draft day before the deal fell through.
“When I got here five years later (after Curry was drafted, Curry) had already established himself as an All-Star,” Kerr said. “And my goal was just to help him get even better and win a championship. And we were able to do that in year one and win three more and form a partnership that I will be grateful for (for) my entire life because it goes way beyond how good he is as a basketball player.”
Kerr praised Curry’s character beyond basketball. He called the guard one of the finest people he has worked with during his career.
“He is one of the finest human beings I’ve ever been around in my life. And just to come to work every day and see Steph has made this job everything,” Kerr said.
Golden State acquired Jimmy Butler last season and defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Curry suffered a hamstring strain in the next series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ending the Warriors’ season.
Kerr said he values the pursuit of another championship regardless of the outcome. The Warriors coach has won nine total championships as a player and coach.
“I think it’s the attempt when you’re in it that is the most important thing,” Kerr said. “Obviously, we all know rings culture. We all focus on who won. But there is something beautiful in the fight, in the quest.”
Kerr coached Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant on the U.S. Olympic team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The trio won gold after Curry scored 36 points against Serbia in the semifinals and hit a game-clinching three-pointer in the final.
“The thing that will stick with me forever is that LeBron and Kevin in that moment deferred to Steph,” Kerr said. “And it showed you their respect for him, and it also showed you the type of basketball players they are, how unselfish they are, because Steph had it going.”
Kerr recognized the role of luck in building the Warriors dynasty. The franchise searched for a generational player for decades before drafting Curry.
“Did the Warriors go 40 years without a Steph? Probably,” Kerr said. “So that’s where you have to get lucky in the NBA.”
The Warriors have struggled with injuries this season with an aging roster. Their playoff run last season before Curry’s injury gives the team hope for another championship attempt.
“I will never leave Steph Curry,” Kerr said.