Golden State Warriors: Midseason Yearly Awards
By Jamie Faue
Coach of the Year: Steve Kerr
December 18, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (left) stands next to associate head coach Alvin Gentry (right) during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors hired rookie coach Steve Kerr this offseason in hopes that he could be the one that pushes Golden State to a whole new level and make it far in postseason play. If a 36-6 record, a 19-1 home record, and a 16-game win streak at the beginning of the season aren’t reasons enough, then there is something wrong.
Many fans were skeptical of the hire, given that Kerr had no prior coaching experience. However, in these first 42 games, Kerr has proven to the Warrior fans that he is the piece that has been missing all along.
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Kerr has shown through both his play calls and team management that he can get this Warriors team far. He has started resting Andrew Bogut and Andre Iguodala, much like his former coach Gregg Popovich does with Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan.
Kerr also makes sure that no player plays more than 32 minutes a game. Under head coach Mark Jackson, Curry and Thompson averaged between 35-40 minutes a game, due to many close games and poor bench production.
Since Kerr took over, the Warriors have been beating their opponents by an average of about 14 points per game. With better bench production and blowout games, the starters have been getting a lot more rest in the third and fourth quarters. With adequate rest for the starters, they are able to come out every game with the full energy and passion that is needed to win on a consistent basis.
Kerr will have a battle for Coach of the Year with Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer, who has his Hawks on a 16-game win streak. The Hawks also have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 37-8.
It will be a tough race for any award this season, with so many talented players and coaches in the league, but there is a good possibility that some may land in the Warriors’ favor.