For not being in the playoffs and not having made a single official move yet, the Golden State Warriors sure are a hot topic, even while the first round kicks into high gear.
In the one week since they were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament by the Phoenix Suns, just one game away from sneaking into the playoffs, various rumors and reports have continued to emerge from reporters all across the NBA media landscape, concerning players, coaches, and more. Even former players, such as Jonathan Kuminga on the Atlanta Hawks, are drawing attention back to the Warriors.
Hanging over all of this has been the pending decision on Steve Kerr and his status as the Warriors' head coach heading into next season.
Kerr Could Make Decision Next Week, But Not Rushed
On Wednesday, the new update was reported by ESPN's Anthony Slater about the perspective both Steve Kerr and the Warriors' front office, led by owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., have regarding Kerr's job.
Sources told ESPN that Kerr has yet to make a decision about his future with Golden State, and neither side expects anything concrete until next week at the earliest.
This approximately lines up with Kerr's last public words at the postgame press conference after the Suns' loss, where he said everyone involved would need a couple of weeks to reflect and contemplate this decision before putting their heads together and finalizing something.
Specifically, one team source told Slater, "It's April. We don't need to rush."
While this is true, and coaches are unlikely to be snatched up in the next few weeks as the playoffs continue, the direction of the Warriors' franchise hinges on Kerr's role, and the subsequent decisions that Steph Curry and Draymond Green would make in the aftermath. Deciding on a coach for next season sooner rather than later would expedite that process and potentially help both players and the front office get a head start on planning for next season.
What Could Kerr Do Next If Not Coaching The Warriors?
If Kerr isn't on the Warriors' sideline to begin next season, there are a couple of options for the basketball legend.
Many people would imagine he looks to take another job elsewhere. With the Bucks hiring Taylor Jenkins on Thursday, only the Bulls and Pelicans have an opening, pending any that emerge after the playoffs end.
The Bulls are an intriguing landing spot, considering Kerr's history in Chicago, as he won three championships in the Windy City with the second three-peat of the 90's Bulls dynasty.
However, there could be a different avenue that Kerr can return to: the media.
Kerr was a broadcaster for TNT prior to taking the Warriors job in 2014. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Kerr return to either broadcasting with one of the many networks in the game nowadays or potentially as an analyst on a studio show.