OAKLAND, Calif. — As Steve Kerr tried to cope with the headaches, nausea, pain and other concerning symptoms, there were times he wondered whether he would even come back to coach the Golden State Warriors this season, whether he even should return to the bench if not 100 percent healthy.
Complications from two back surgeries had sidelined him for the defending champions’ record start, then Kerr found his way into the huddle again Jan. 22 after a nearly four-month leave of absence. And Tuesday, he earned NBA Coach of the Year honors for his Warriors’ record 73-win season that topped the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls team he played for that went 72-10.
“There were moments I didn’t know if I would get back at all this season,†Kerr said as Golden State prepared for today’s playoff Game 5 against Houston. “I’m really thankful I improved to the point where I could coach. Coaching has actually helped considerably as I’ve continued to heal. I sort of had to just take a leap of faith. If I was going to wait until I felt great I would have been waiting all season.â€
Kerr got 64 first-place votes from the panel of 130 media members who regularly cover the league. Portland’s Terry Stotts was second. San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich was third.
While Kerr missed the Warriors’ first 43 games this season as he recovered, top assistant Luke Walton led Golden State to a 24-0 start and 39-4 mark.