"I think they'll be all over me": Steve Kerr on what he expects from Celtics fans in the upcoming season
The Boston Celtics have one of the most loyal and dedicated fanbases in the league and Steve Kerr is preparing for a hostile reception when he visits the TD Garden later this year.
The rivalry between the Golden State Warriors coach and Celtics fans has evolved over the years. The 58-year-old coach defeated Boston 4-2 in the 2022 NBA Finals. Kerr, the USA men's national team coach for the 2024 Paris Olympics, came under fire from the Boston faithful for his treatment of All-Star guard/forward Jayson Tatum at the Olympics.
After Tatum played just 71 minutes at the Olympics this summer, Kerr was asked by NBA.com about the welcome he would receive from Celtic fans when his team visits Boston on Nov. 6.
"I think they’re going to be all over me. [laughs]. That’s fine," said Kerr
Tatum, who led the Celtics to an NBA-record 18th championship in June, featured in only four games for the USA team that went on to win the gold medal. He averaged just 17.7 minutes per game, leading to a backlash from Celtics fans toward Kerr's game plan and tactics.
Kerr did praise the Celtics All-Star for the way he handled himself during the Summer Games in Paris.
"Jayson handled things so well. Then obviously it became a media subject, but he couldn’t have handled it better," added Kerr via NBA.com.
Jayson Tatum is a five-time All-Star and was named the All-Star Game MVP in 2023. Last season, he averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
Steve Kerr led Team USA to fifth consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Since becoming the head coach of the Golden State Warriors in 2014, Steve Kerr has developed into one of the game's most respected leaders. The former NBA guard has won four championships with the Warriors between 2015 and 2022 and led the team to an NBA-record 73-9 regular season finish in 2016.
Kerr's credentials helped him be named the USA men's national team coach for the 2024 Paris Olympics. With some high-profile names on the roster, including LeBron James and Steph Curry, Kerr guided Team USA to a perfect 6-0 record at the Olympics. They defeated France 98-87 in the finals to earn his nation a fifth consecutive gold medal in the event.