Steve Kerr acknowledged the central role Stephen Curry has played in his tenure as Golden State Warriors head coach. “I’m well aware that the reason I’m still here is because Steph Curry is still here,” Kerr said on a recent episode of the Glue Guys Podcast, NBC Sports Bay Area.
Kerr expanded on the point and compared the dynamic to how Gregg Popovich credits Tim Duncan for his era. “And I’m not being modest, I’m just telling the truth. Gregg Popovich is one of my best friends and mentors, and every time we sit down for dinner, he holds up his wine glass and he says, ‘Here’s to Tim Duncan.’ “And everyone toasts to Tim Duncan. I love it because it’s genuine and he’s basically telling us the only reason I — and we — are all here is because the lottery fell our way, we got Tim Duncan. Other people didn’t. That’s how I feel about Steph.”
Kerr’s comments came as the Warriors prepare for the 2025–26 season after a campaign that included roster changes and a deep playoff run. Golden State reached the playoffs via the play-in tournament and advanced past the first round before falling in the conference semifinals.
Curry’s presence has anchored the Warriors through lineup turnover and several coaching decisions since Kerr was hired in 2014. The team has rebuilt around Curry’s shooting and playmaking while adding veterans and young pieces to maintain competitiveness.
The Warriors enter the offseason with Curry under contract and a coaching staff led by Kerr expected to return. Golden State also saw major roster moves over the prior season, including the departure of Klay Thompson and the midseason acquisition of Jimmy Butler.
