Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, during the NBA Summer League game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 10, 2022. /CFP
Steve Kerr, head coach of the reigning NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors, said his team doesn't have "a ton to prove" in the coming 2022-23 season in an interview with 95.7 The Game's "Damon & Ratto" on Thursday.
The Warriors made it back to the NBA Finals last season after missing the playoffs for two years and defeated the Boston Celtics 4-2 to win their fourth title in seven years. The team now has the chance to establish another dynasty, just like they did between 2015 and 2019 during which they never missed the Finals.
Stephen Curry (#30) of the Golden State Warriors talks to his head coach Steve Kerr on the bench during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, June 13, 2022. /CFP
Of course, in order to show dynasty-level dominance, the Warriors will need to at least win back-to-back championships, if not doing it three times in a row. There are only four three-peaters in NBA history: the Minneapolis Lakers (1952-1954), the Celtics (1959-1966), the Chicago Bulls (twice, 1991-1993 and 1996-1998), and the Los Angeles Lakers (2000-2002).
"My experience is that trying to repeat is actually really fun. If you're lucky enough to win two in a row, that third one is a grind," Kerr said. He was playing for the Bulls during their second three-peat and he saw how difficult the team's last time was. Like that franchise, the Warriors today count on veterans including Stephen Curry (34 years old), Klay Thompson (32) and Draymond Green (32).
Klay Thompson (R) of the Golden State Warriors and his coach Steve Kerr speak to the media after Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, June 16, 2022. /CFP
"I don't think we're gonna be burned out by any means," Kerr told Damon and Ratto. "In fact I think we'll be really excited. I think all of our guys will be ready to roll, ramp it back up and try to repeat … We have the big picture in mind for our season. We'll see where everybody is in terms of conditioning."
"They don't have a ton to prove, if anything. That's a good place to be. You're playing with a little house money … Those guys have four rings. They've got nothing to prove. They can let it rip and just play for the joy of the game, and their natural competitiveness will take over," he added.
Andrew Wiggins (#22) of the Golden State Warriors and his head coach Steve Kerr celebrate during Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, June 16, 2022. /CFP
Andrew Wiggins was the Warriors' biggest surprise last season. His size and athleticism were integral to the team on both offense and defense. Kerr expected him to shoulder more duties in the 2022-23 campaign. "Lockdown defender and be our secondary scorer. He couldn't have played that role any better in the Finals and really throughout the playoffs," Kerr said.
While they were competing for the championship, the Warriors didn't forget about helping their young players grow. Jordan Poole has already become a key source of firepower for the regular season. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody have made progress too. Compared with them, James Wiseman, who was drafted by the team with the second-overall pick in 2020, missed the whole 2021-22 season but carried probably the biggest expectations from fans.
James Wiseman (#33) of the Golden State Warriors listens to his head coach Steve Kerr during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, January 12, 2021. /CFP
"Wise is healthy, doing great. That's the main thing. He feels good and looks good. Like JK and Moses, they all need to play. They're all so young, they all need to play … Knock on wood all three guys are doing well," Kerr told Damon and Ratto.
The Warriors will receive their championship rings before hosting the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center in San Francisco on October 18.