Key Points:
Steve Kerr had a strong take on the modern NBA
Two former NBA players responded
Fans were split on Kerr’s comments
The Golden State Warriors are 4-1 on the season, a half-game behind the San Antonio Spurs and a full game behind the first place Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.
The Warriors’ hot start culminated in a dominant win Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers that cemented Kerr’s team as an early season contender.
On Wednesday, Kerr chimed in on the “load management” debate, which gained new life after comments by his former teammate and six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan during an interview with NBA on NBC announcer Mike Tirico.
His comments didn’t play well among two former NBA players and fans of old school NBA action who rushed to defend their eras in the comments section.
Kerr Goes to Bat for ‘Modern’ NBA
Kerr played during the early to mid-1990s and has coached the Warriors to four NBA championships.
He said this week that that the physical demands of the modern NBA are as challenging as they’ve ever been.
“Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (said) that the stress on NBA players’ bodies is more now than ever due to fast pace and style of play today,” reporter Marc J. Spears wrote as fans and two well known former NBA players reacted.
Van Exel, Polynice Clap Back at Kerr
Two players who excelled during Kerr’s heyday as a player, Nick Van Exel and Olden Polynice, shared their thoughts among fans on X.
“Steve Kerr is tripping,” Polynice wrote. “Has he ever heard of Showtime or back to back to back games???
“These players aren’t playing faster than before they are just taking more 3pointers. As well as being allowed to carry the ball and take 72 steps.
“Everyone’s being prisoners of the moment,” Polynice said.
Van Exel responded with a single emoji that said it all.
One fan shared info on the difference in pace between one season in the 1980s and today’s game.
“Sounds nice, unprovable,” another said, referencing the amount of three-point shots being taken.
One person with the title of doctor also chimed in, taking Kerr’s side.
“Combine this with the increased wear and tear NBA players already have in the league from playing year round AAU ball at young and younger ages and you have a set-up for injuries,” he said.
“This won’t help the old heads narrative,” another said.
Another spoke of the control NBA coaches have over the game through strategy and pace.
“(Do) coaches realize they can control the pace and style play their teams use?” they said.
“If your style or pace is wearing down or hurting your players, it’s on you to make an adjustment.”