BASKETBALL

Steve Kerr Says “We’re Going To Miss Mike” In Interview With The Athletic

Aug 3, 2022, 10:05 AM

Steve Kerr and Mike Brown on the sidelines....

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.

Newsletter

Basketball

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors argues with a referee before being ejected during a...

Field Level Media

Warriors’ Draymond Green on most recent ejection: ‘It just can’t happen’

Draymond Green said on his podcast that he deserved to be ejected for his actions in his team's game against the Orlando Magic.

4 hours ago

De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings guards Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first...

Joseph Jarosz

Sam Amick on where the Sacramento Kings will be at the end of the season

With 10 games left in the season, the Sacramento Kings find themselves in an arms race for the sixth and final playoff spot. Where will they end the year?

5 hours ago

Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks go for a ...

Brenden Nunes

Sacramento Kings need to limit turnovers and increased physicality in Friday’s rematch

Sacramento Kings need to improve turnovers and physicality Friday After suffering a costly 132-96 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, the Sacramento Kings get a chance for redemption on Friday.

6 hours ago

Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks passes the ball over Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Ki...

Joseph Jarosz

Jason Anderson: The final playoff spot will come down to the Kings or Mavs

Jason Anderson, Sacramento Kings reporter for the Sacramento Bee, joined The Drive Guys to discuss the final push for the playoffs, another matchup with the Mavericks looming after Tuesday's loss, and more.

9 hours ago

Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic drives on Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors du...

Field Level Media

Warriors complete back-to-back sweep, hold off Magic 101-93 Wednesday night

Gary Payton II stalled an Orlando run with an interior hoop, Stephen Curry saved his only two fourth-quarter baskets for the final 1:09 and the Golden State Warriors overcame the early ejection of Draymond Green to hold off the host Magic 101-93 on Wednesday night.

23 hours ago

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the first half of a game against th...

Joseph Jarosz

Watch: Draymond Green ejected less than four minutes into Warriors vs Magic

It took Golden State Warriors' forward Draymond Green less than five minutes to get tossed from Wednesday's game against the Magic.

1 day ago

Steve Kerr Says “We’re Going To Miss Mike” In Interview With The Athletic