Steve Kerr namedrops LeBron James while acknowledging task to manage Steph Curry’s minutes – Source: Imagn

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has plenty of experience managing star players’ workloads, having led four championship teams and coached a roster of stars during the 2024 Paris Olympics. With the addition of the Emirates NBA Cup, Kerr said his strategy for managing minutes hasn’t changed.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Kerr outlined his approach to handling the 82-game season, with the Warriors led by 36-year-old Steph Curry.

When asked if the NBA should consider reducing the number of games in its schedule, Steve Kerr said he would be curious to hear the opinions of Curry and Lakers star LeBron James.

“I think things evolve, things change,” he said. “I’d be interested to ask Steph and LeBron if they would want fewer games. I would guess that they would want fewer. But the league has really changed a lot.”

Discussions about shortening the NBA season have been ongoing, and Kerr has been vocal in his support for the idea.

In 2023, when the NBA introduced the In-Season Tournament, Kerr advocated for trimming the season to 70-73 games, citing the benefits for players and the league.

“We need that extra rest. We have too many games right now. The players play so hard, they have to train so hard. I have to coach these guys and I see it. I played myself 15 years in the NBA. It’s something that I feel very strongly about that we could come to a position where we have a stronger product and a stronger league if we cut the schedule down,” he said (per Sporting News).

This season, the Warriors play Curry 29.8 minutes per game — a team-high but his lowest average in five years. Meanwhile, LeBron James, who will turn 40 next month, is averaging 35.4 mpg, one of the lowest marks in his 22-year career.

Critics argue that the NBA’s long regular season contributes to player fatigue, increasing injuries and potentially sidelining stars during the playoffs.

However, Steve Kerr acknowledged that reducing games — and the profits that come with them — might not be an easy sell for the league.

“I just have so much faith in Adam Silver and respect for the league management. What I don’t have faith in is America’s willingness to maybe cut back on a few profits here and there in the name of quality. I don’t think that’s in our nature,” he said.

Steve Kerr highlights need for coaching adaptability

In the same media availability, Steve Kerr also emphasized that the NBA has transformed significantly since his playing days, requiring coaches to adapt constantly to remain successful.

“My first year coaching, we were No. 1 in the league in pace. I believe that same pace this year would be 20th in the league or something. So, you have to adapt to the rule changes, the style changes, different coaches come in and introduce different things,” he said.

Steve Kerr praised former Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni for revolutionizing the league’s offensive style and pace.

“I think Mike D’Antoni really changed the way the modern game is played, in Phoenix with the pace and space. As a result, a lot of things have evolved, including the rules. So it’s on us to adapt to that as coaches and as caretakers of the league.”

While the league has progressed, some suggest that the emphasis on 3-point shooting has contributed to a decline in viewership.