Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to his team during a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter of Game 1 of the NBA basketball Western Conference semifinal playoff series at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO — Steve Kerr relayed an ominous stat Thursday, before the Warriors tried to even their conference-semifinals series with the Lakers.
“Three of the last four championship coaches have been fired,” Kerr said. “It just happens quickly. I mean, expectations every year for every team are so high, and only one team can win.”
Earlier Thursday, the Milwaukee Bucks fired Mike Budenholzer, two years after he led them to the NBA title but only a day after his top-seeded team got eliminated in the first round by the Miami Heat.
“It’s sad news for the coaching profession,” Kerr added. “We all believe Bud deserved a lot better. But we’re all aware this is the job we chose.”
Also out of a job not long after hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy were: Nick Nurse, from the Toronto Raptors on April 21, four years after beating the Warriors in the NBA Finals; and, Frank Vogel, from the Lakers in April 2022, two years after winning the franchise’s 17th title.
The one championship coach of the past four who’s avoided a pink slip: Kerr, who’s seeking his fifth championship in nine seasons as the Warriors’ coach.
Kerr, who’s signed through only next season, said he was not necessarily shocked by Budenholzer’s firing, basing that on the “business we’re in.”
“It’s more disappointment, because Bud’ is a fantastic coach, he just won a championship, and he has been wildly successful in his coaching career,” Kerr said. “… It’s sad news for the coaching profession. We all believe Bud’ deserved a lot better. But we’re all aware this is the job we chose.”
Also understandably sour was Kerr’s counterpart Thursday night, the Lakers’ Darvin Ham, who worked as an assistant to Budenolzer with the Atlanta Hawks and then for four seasons with Milwaukee, before the Lakers hired him last June.
“Obviously it’s unfortunate, having won a championship with him, and being with him for nine years, from Day 1 of him being a head coach,” Ham said before Game 2. “He’s a brother. I love him. It’s unfortunate. I have my own thoughts and they’ll stay my own thoughts. He and I are family for life. It’s unfortunate. Knowing Bud’ like I do, he’ll bounce back when he’s ready.”
MOURNING BLANKS: Kerr opened his pregame presser on an even sadder note, offering condolences in the wake of NBA player and executive Lance Blanks, who died Wednesday at age 56.
“He was a good friend. He was in San Antonio in our front office when I was playing,” Kerr said. “… We spent time in Basketball Without Borders this past summer together. Just a devastating bit of news today that we received. I want to offer my condolences to Lance’s family and all his friends. He will be missed. It is a terrible day.”
STEPH-VS.-LEBRON STAMINA: How are Steph Curry, 35, and LeBron James, 38, conditioned so well this far into their respective careers?
“The No. 1 item for me is you’re talking about two of the greatest of all time for a reason,” Kerr said. “Taking care of their bodies is at the top of their respective lists. It’s not just getting their rest. It’s staying on top of all the latest and greatest innovations and technology. Anything to gain an advantage, they’ll do it.
DEFENDING DAVIS
Eight years ago, Anthony Davis made his playoff debut and could not prevent New Orleans from being swept by the Warriors. Three years later, the Pelicans again bowed out to the Warriors, in five games.
On Tuesday night, Davis scored 30 points as the Lakers claimed Game 1 of this series.
“He’s just wiser,” Kerr said. “He’s got a better feel defensively like all veteran players, you see these patterns in the NBA, and you figure things out over time. This is the best team he’s played on as well.”
Originally published at Cam Inman