Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has no intention of walking away from the franchise’s most important player, even as he heads into the final year of his contract.
Kerr made it clear that his commitment to Stephen Curry remains unwavering, echoing the bond the duo has built over 12 seasons, four championships and one of the most transformative eras in modern basketball.
“When I got here five years later (after Curry was drafted, Curry) had already established himself as an All-Star,” Kerr said speaking with The Athletic. “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.
“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.”
That reverence was reinforced through Kerr’s Olympic experience, coaching Curry alongside LeBron James and Kevin Durant on Team USA.
“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.”
Even after nine championships as a player and coach, Kerr says the pursuit itself still matters most.
“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.”
Curry is now 37 years old and in his 17th season and represents the heartbeat of a franchise that went decades searching for its generational cornerstone.
“Did the Warriors go 40 years without a Steph? Probably,” Kerr said.
So while injuries and age have shifted expectations, Kerr’s loyalty is not fading.
“I will never leave Steph Curry,” Kerr said.
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