Steve Kerr Says “We’re Going To Miss Mike” In Interview With The Athletic
Aug 3, 2022, 10:05 AM
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 23: Head coach of the Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr (left) talks to assistant coach Mike Brown at ORACLE Arena on December 23, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors will have big defensive shoes to fill this upcoming season.
During the off-season, the Sacramento Kings hired Mike Brown to become the team’s new head coach. The Kings have not made the playoffs since 2006 and have seen 12 coaches since that time.
Since 2016, Brown has only known winning. As a member of the Golden State Warriors coaching staff, he won three NBA Championships. In an interview with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Steve Kerr spoke about changes to his coaching staff and how he’s going to miss Mike Brown.
“Mike and I were perfect for each other because we’re so different. Mike has really covered my blind spots over the years, really complimented me well,” Kerr told The Athletic.
Brown’s defensive mind is what drew the Kings to hire him. Under Brown’s guidance, the Warriors became one of the best defensive teams in the league last season. Kerr told Slater Jama Mahlalela has been promoted to fill Brown’s vacancy. And assistant coach Chris DeMarco, who worked closely with Brown on the defensive side, will likely take on more responsibility for the team’s defense.
“He really has been instrumental in our defensive coordination,” Kerr said. “Him and Mike worked hand and hand. CD has a lot of institutional knowledge and did so much more defensively last season than ever before. So I think he’s ready to take on even more responsibility on that side of the ball. He’ll play a huge role in our game planning.”
Brown wasn’t the only Warriors coach the Kings snatched away.
“I’m really happy for him and Mike both,” Kerr said about the Kings also signing Leandro Barbosa as an assistant coach on Brown’s staff. Barbosa joined the Warriors in 2020, focusing on player development.
“The way this works, you want your young coaches to climb the ladder and advance their careers,” Kerr said. “Sacramento offered LB a significant raise and promotion. He had to take it,” Kerr told The Athletic.
An offseason Steve Kerr interview. He details his coaching staff changes, the “foundational six”, James Wiseman’s role and more https://t.co/RDJbWIhbZ7
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) August 2, 2022
