The Golden State Warriors announced a major coaching development before the NBA season.
Golden State’s push to reclaim NBA championship status fell short last season. Despite a strong run late in the regular season, the Warriors were eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Stephen Curry sidelined by injury in the decisive stretch. That exit only extended the franchise’s drought since their 2022 title win against the Boston Celtics, and left many to anticipate major offseason changes.
However, the summer passed with little movement from the front office, and the organization remained quiet, failing to make notable additions. Now, just ahead of the new NBA season, Golden State has announced a major development.
On Saturday, however, the Warriors made a significant adjustment on the coaching front, confirming that Nicholas Kerr, son of head coach Steve Kerr, has been promoted to the NBA bench as an assistant coach. Nicholas had spent the past two years leading the G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors, where he guided the affiliate to back-to-back 20–14 seasons and consecutive playoff appearances.
Born in Cleveland and raised in San Diego, Nicholas played college basketball at the University of San Diego and later at California. He then worked as a graduate assistant at Cal during the 2016–17 season before gaining NBA experience as an intern with the San Antonio Spurs.
His coaching résumé also includes earlier work in Golden State’s player development department and video coordination team, along with a stint as a G League assistant before taking over in Santa Cruz.
The timing of the move comes as the Warriors enter another season built around Curry, Draymond Green, and last year’s mid-season acquisition Jimmy Butler. Those three provide championship experience, but the Western Conference landscape is loaded. With contenders such as the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder, the climb back to the Finals will be more difficult than ever.
The Warriors will open the season on the road against the Lakers on Oct. 21. Curry will again be tasked to lead the franchise, with two proven stars to work with.
