Former NBA champion believes this season will be Steve Kerr's biggest test with Golden State Warriors: “You got Klay, who’s still trying to find himself and get back to the Klay of old"
The Golden State Warriors find themselves in murky waters as they continue to rack up losses. With former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins taking note of this, he expressed how this season could be head coach Steve Kerr's biggest test with the team.
The Dubs head into this season with some massive expectations. Coming off a successful title run, the Warriors were fully expected to mount their title defense this season. Unfortunately, the team hasn't been able to play up to its potential.
With a 5-game losing streak on their hands, the Dubs look like a shadow of the championship side they were last season. While several concerns have been raised, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins expressed his own thoughts on the matter.
Perkins placed Steve Kerr at the forefront of the Warriors' current situation.
"This team that the Golden State Warriors have, this is going to be the biggest challenge of Steve Kerr’s coaching career."
Perkins proceeded to highlight the issues present within the Warriors' roster. Ranging from the Draymond Green-Jordan Poole altercation during the preseason to Klay Thompson's current state of functioning, he highlighted the issues Kerr would have to deal with.
With regards to Green knocking out Poole during the altercation, Perkins said:
"Now you have to regain their trust, and now you have to get back that chemistry,” Perkins said. “But let’s just think about everything else that’s going on with their team at the moment."
He continued by speaking about Klay Thompson's current form and how Kerr would have to get him back to his peak.
"You got Klay, who’s still trying to find himself and get back to the Klay of old, who we’ve seen flashes, but it hasn’t been consistent,” Perkins said. “Right? And his minutes have been down.”
Perkins also mentioned several issues pertaining to rising stars Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. While additionally factoring in the doubts regarding the Warriors youngsters, Kerr certainly has his hands full.
Perkins addressed these matters and placed the responsibility of solving them on Steve Kerr.
"There’s only one basketball, so at the end of the day, you only can get a certain amount of shots throughout the course of the game,” Perkins said. “Everybody’s not going to be satisfied. So now Steve Kerr, he got to get on his best stuff.”
.@KendrickPerkins explains why this will be Steve Kerr's most challenging season with the Warriors 👀 https://t.co/H0pEQOSLRw
With a 3-7 record, the Golden State Warriors are ranked 12th in the Western Conference. To make matters worse, Golden State is coming off a rather disappointing road trip that featured an 0-6 losing record on the road.
This will have a massive impact on how teams view the Dubs going forward this season.
Read: 8X NBA All-Star believes Warriors are losing their dominant status entering the new season: “Teams are not afraid of the Golden State Warriors”
The Golden State Warriors have a lot of problems to address
Coming off their most recent 105-114 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Golden State Warriors have extended their losing streak to five games. Naturally, this doesn't bode well for any title contender, much less the reigning champions.
However, the current situation reflects the current internal state of the Dubs. As Kendrick Perkins mentioned, Golden State has no shortage of problems to deal with.
While still reeling from the Draymond Green-Jordan Poole situation, the Dubs have looked all out of sorts on the floor. Recent reports have also raised doubts about the Warriors' young core and their ability to adjust to the system.
With the likes of James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga garnering most of the criticism, Golden State will need its youngsters to figure out their roles faster.
Something I noticed upon re-watch.
1st clip: Steve Kerr calling for “HORNS Twist.” For some reason, James Wiseman doesn’t seem to get into the action w/ much force or urgency.
2nd clip: What “HORNS Twist” should look like. twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/ESI14VAxSa
After an arduous 5-game road trip, the Golden State Warriors will return home on Monday. Facing off against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State will have to view this game as a must-win.