Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is pleased with his team’s recent success and noticeable improvement in the NBA. The Warriors have found renewed energy following key trades, and Kerr credits the strong chemistry forming within the roster. He also revealed which teammate has become one of Stephen Curry’s favorites.
Buddy Hield, whom the Warriors acquired last season in a six-team trade that sent Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, has brought a contagious energy to Golden State’s locker room. That impact has made him one of Curry’s most beloved teammates.
“Steph told me he’s one of his favorite teammates of all time. Buddy is,” Kerr revealed on 95.7 The Game’s Willard & Dibs. “Just the joy that he brings, the laughter, the upbeat nature—regardless of how things are going, whether he’s making shots or missing shots, he’s always in a good mood. And that stuff is crucial in a long season.
“In the locker room, you need guys like that. So everybody loves Buddy. He’s just a wonderful, wonderful person.” That type of presence has played a major role in helping the Warriors regain their footing in the Western Conference. Now sitting at the No. 6 seed, Golden State is focused on securing a playoff spot.
Stephen Curry #30 and Buddy Hield #7 of the Golden State Warriors react after Curry made a three-point basket
Hield’s performance for the Warriors
Hield started his Warriors tenure on fire, averaging 17.7 points per game while shooting 49.4% from the field and 46.9% from three in his first 12 games, during which the team went 10-2.
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However, his shooting has cooled off significantly since that hot start. Over the next 50 games, he has averaged 10.1 points while shooting 39.1% from the field and just 33.6% from beyond the arc in 23 minutes per game.
Kerr addresses his future in coaching
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Warriors is the future of Steve Kerr. The veteran coach recently hinted at when he might step away, a factor that adds urgency to Golden State’s championship aspirations this season.
Speaking to 95.7 The Game’s Mark Willard and Dan Dibley on Wednesday, Kerr suggested that his coaching tenure could be tied to Curry’s career, as their time together has been deeply connected.
“I think every coaching job has an expiration date, and I think it’s important for all parties involved to be aware of that. So, there’s probably something to that,” Kerr said. “But I don’t spend much time thinking about that. I love what I do, I love this team, I love coaching these guys every day. I’m just going to keep plugging away with them and see what we can accomplish, and then we’ll worry about all that stuff later.”
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With Kerr, Curry, and Draymond Green all reaching the latter stages of their careers, the Warriors are making one last push to add another NBA championship to their dynasty before major changes inevitably arrive.
