By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
LONDON, Great Britain – Before Kevin Durant and LeBron James could take the mic minutes prior to USA Basketball’s first practice in London, Steve Kerr also spoke to media.
The Golden State Warriors head coach was asked about the ice-hockey rotation he has experienced in USA Basketball’s friendly games before London, and then Paris. “We’ll see if we do it, but I like what I see so far defense, defense, defense”, he first began.
“If we can bring in fresh troops five minutes later, keep doing that, and keep defending teams the way we’ve done at times, then I like our chances to win. We’re gonna score, we have guys who can score. It has to be about defense. Whatever gives us the best chance to defend our opponents, that’s what we’re gonna do”, he obviously added.
In a team stacked with legends of the game like Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, there’s also space for the future generation, with Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton.
“We love that, to have some of the young guys in a pipeline now and on the team so that they can be part of the next group. But we didn’t think of that when we put the team together, we just put the best group possible. We’re just trying to win”, Steve Kerr commented about it.
“We’re getting a sense of a combination that we like. The Bam [Adebayo] and AD [Anthony Davis] step off the bench has been brilliant, we will stay with that. Joel [Embiid] is gonna start”, he then added about his team’s frontcourt.
“It’s the two-wing spot next to Steph [Curry] and LeBron [James] that we’re contemplating, and we haven’t seen Kevin yet. There are still things to consider. But I really like we’re getting a lot of tape to watch and I have a good feel for different lineups”, USA Basketball’s head coach continued.
Ironically asked if he feels more pressure now than when he had to take shots for the Chicago Bulls, Steve Kerr denied. “Way more for the Bulls, because I had to do that. But now I just tell Steph Curry and LeBron James to win the gold medal”, he said.
After facing him several times during his career, especially in the NBA Finals, this is the first time the tactical mastermind is coaching LeBron James, hoping to win a gold medal together in Paris 2024. “Pretty amazing”, he replied when asked what’s like having him around.
“I’m blown away by his effort, concentration, and focus every single drill. He talks, and even in a shootaround, he walks through his voice behind the play, yelling out the scheme. His leadership by example. The guy is incredible. I’ve known that forever, but to see it out close, it’s pretty special”, Steve Kerr praised the legendary 39-year-old player.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023