Charlie Walter, the host of the daily Locked On Warriors podcast, with your daily Locked On Warriors newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Warriors and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Would Steve Kerr Step Aside After Season If Golden State Warriors Struggles Continue?
As the Golden State Warriors find themselves at a pivotal juncture in their storied franchise, fans and analysts alike are grappling with a pressing question: What does the future hold for this team? In a recent episode of Locked on Warriors, we delved deep into the challenges facing the organization, from Steve Kerr’s frustrations to the team’s reluctance to mortgage a piece of their future. But amidst the uncertainty, there’s a silver lining that might surprise you.
Steve Kerr’s post-game comments following the Raptors loss were nothing short of eye-opening. The frustration in his voice was palpable as he admitted, “It sucks. I don’t like falling below .500, but here we are so we got to do better.” This moment of candor raises an intriguing question: How much longer does Kerr want to continue coaching the Warriors?
It’s easy to forget that Kerr’s tenure with the Warriors has been nothing short of legendary. From 2014 to 2022, the team consistently dominated the league, rarely losing more than 20 games in a season. But now, not even halfway through the current season, they’ve already amassed 20 losses. The stark contrast is jarring, to say the least.
Here’s a thought that might challenge your perspective: Could Kerr’s potential departure actually be a blessing in disguise for the Warriors? While his accomplishments are undeniable, sometimes a fresh set of eyes and a new philosophy are exactly what a team needs to evolve and thrive in a changing NBA landscape.
One of the most surprising revelations from the episode was the unified stance of Kerr, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green against mortgaging the team’s future for short-term gains. This approach flies in the face of conventional wisdom, which often pushes teams to go all-in while their star players are still in their prime.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to remember that success in the NBA is cyclical. The Warriors’ current challenges don’t negate their past achievements, nor do they preclude future triumphs. By maintaining patience, preserving assets, and continuing to develop young talent, the team is positioning itself for sustainable success.
Want to dive deeper into these insights? Be sure to listen to the full episode of Locked on Warriors for more in-depth analysis and discussion. And don’t forget to share your thoughts on the team’s future in the comments below!
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Steph Curry advises against making desperate trades amid the Warriors’ struggles. He emphasizes trust in the current roster and strategic patience, aligning with the team’s long-term vision. (Golden State of Mind)
Rumor Steve Kerr addresses speculation about Steph Curry’s future with the Warriors. He reassures fans of Curry’s commitment despite the team’s challenging phase. (Sports Illustrated)
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
