Steve Kerr Dismisses Controversial Email from Warriors Owner

In the wake of a turbulent start to the season, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has downplayed a leaked email from team owner Joe Lacob that circulated on social media. The email, which Lacob sent to a frustrated fan shortly after the Warriors lost to the Portland Trail Blazers on December 10, 2023, addressed concerns about the team’s performance and tactical decisions.

Lacob expressed empathy toward the fan’s frustration, stating, “You can’t be as frustrated as me. I am working on it. It’s complicated. Style of play. Coaches’ desires regarding players. League trends. Jimmy is not the problem.” Following a practice session at Chase Center on December 12, Kerr responded to the email’s leak, saying, “It’s not a big deal. I’m not concerned about anything like that.”

Despite the external noise, Kerr acknowledged that he shares the fan’s disappointment with the Warriors’ current record of 13 wins and 14 losses. He noted that his star players also recognize the challenges the team faces, emphasizing, “This is how the league works.” Importantly, Kerr reassured fans that he retains the full backing of the organization’s upper management, stating, “Joe supports me 100% and I support him. We have a great connection… Our stable environment and organization is one of our strengths.”

Team’s Struggles and Lineup Changes

The Warriors’ instability has been reflected in their recent lineups; the team has utilized nine different starting combinations in as many games. Pat Spencer, who has started three times during this stretch, will miss their upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns due to an excused absence. Kerr expressed a desire to continue evaluating the starting five that played last game, which includes Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post.

Moody, who has only started 14 times this season after finishing last season as a starter, reflected on the stark contrast between last spring’s success and the current struggles. “These last couple of games, and there are so many games this year we should have won. One shot goes differently, and this is a whole different conversation,” he said. Despite the setbacks, he reassured fans that there is no sense of panic within the team.

Defensive Challenges and Player Perspectives

Another young player, Brandin Podziemski, who has transitioned from a regular starter to a primarily bench role, highlighted the need for improvement in defense. The Warriors have recently struggled defensively, allowing over 125 points in their last two losses after a stretch of holding three consecutive opponents under 100 points.

Podziemski noted, “If you don’t get stops, it makes it that much harder because you feel like you have to score.” As the Warriors navigate a challenging season, the focus remains on recalibrating their performance and finding solutions to regain their competitive edge. With the support of management and a commitment from the players, the Warriors aim to turn their season around.