Warriors HC Steve Kerr admits he 'failed in connecting' with last season's roster

The Golden State Warriors failed to defend their 2022 title and while several factors contributed to last season's struggles, HC Steve Kerr is the one shouldering responsibility.

During an interview with Shayna Rubin of The Mercury News, Kerr discussed how he "failed" the 2022-23 Warriors and intends to move forward this season. 

"I will say that I feel like I failed last year in connecting the group," Kerr said. "I have taken a lot of time this summer to think about last year, things I could have and should have done differently."

Although Kerr didn't mention the subject directly, it's safe to assume he was alluding to the fallout of the infamous training camp altercation between Draymond Green and now-Washington Wizard Jordan Poole. After Golden State's second-round loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Green and Kerr admitted that the preseason incident negatively impacted the team, resulting in a lack of trust between the players.

While Green's punch was undoubtedly detrimental to Golden State's success, the Warriors still faced other obstacles that caused Kerr to declare that last season's roster wasn't "a championship team." 

Aside from having a younger roster than in years past, Golden State was horrific on the road last season, posting an almost unfathomable 11-30 record. Injuries forced nine-time All-Star Stephen Curry to miss 26 games for the campaign, during which the Warriors went 14-12. Additionally, forward Andrew Wiggins missed 45 games due to several ailments and went on an extended absence to care for his father, who was experiencing a health issue. 

Nevertheless, now that those difficulties are behind Golden State, Kerr is looking at the positives gained from the experience.

"I really believe that sometimes losing sort of forces you to reassess and reevaluate and I'm excited about coming back next year with a renewed focus and energy and spirit from the entire group," Kerr said. "And that starts with me and I can't wait."

This offseason, the Warriors notably traded Poole for Chris Paul, a long-time rival and another player who has a rocky relationship with Green. Despite the potential negative consequences their history could have on the court, Kerr is optimistic the acquisition will make the team better.

Kerr also believes the signings of Dario Šarić and Cory Joseph are moves that could have similar impacts to those that Otto Porter Jr. and David West had during separate championship runs. 

"I'm very confident that it's going to work out," said Kerr. "We got great guys and we got champions, great competitors. There's one goal next year, and that's to win at the highest possible level. Everything else will unfold as the season does."

The 2023-24 season will be a pivotal year for the aging Warriors, who outside of Curry, must prove they still have a championship-caliber roster.