Steve Kerr has no plans to coach Team USA after the 2024 Olympics, according to insights from Joe Vardon of The Athletic. Kerr aims to mirror the path taken by Gregg Popovich, guiding the U.S. team during the World Cup and Olympics before passing on the reins to another individual.
“I view it as a two-year commitment,” Kerr articulated. “Pop helmed both the World Cup and the Olympics, and now it’s my turn to transition. I feel that’s the appropriate approach. It is also an enormous dedication. In the past, things were different with Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski) and Jerry (Colangelo), as they were establishing a culture and system that required multi-year commitments from players. It made sense for Coach K to continue. However, I believe now is the time for a single cycle and then passing on the responsibility.”
Kerr, a former player on the gold-winning American team in the 1986 world championships, joined as a coach in 2019, assisting Popovich as the U.S. claimed seventh place in the World Cup. He continued his role through the 2021 Olympics, where Team USA clinched its fourth consecutive gold medal.
For the most recent World Cup, Kerr took on the head coaching duties, but the U.S. team faced disappointment with three losses in their final four games, ultimately finishing fourth. Although the outcome was below expectations, it still secured a spot for the U.S. in the upcoming Olympics.
As per Vardon, several potential successors for Kerr are being considered from the current Team USA coaching staff, including Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, and Gonzaga coach Mark Few. The next World Cup will be held in Qatar in 2027, followed by the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
Key players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum will need to adapt to a new head coach post the 2024 Olympics. Both Devin Booker and Joel Embiid have expressed their interest to represent the United States in the 2024 Games. Kerr and Curry are yet to have an in-depth conversation on this matter as their current focus is on the Warriors’ ongoing season.
According to Vardon, the process of selecting the 12-man team for the coming summer games has just begun. Kerr recognizes that USA Basketball must accept prominent players like James, Durant, and Curry due to their stature, but the abundance of talent could make for tough decisions. Vardon also mentions the interest shown by Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Draymond Green in joining the team.
Kerr mentioned that USA Basketball officials will start evaluating their options “in the coming months.” Although there is no set date for establishing a preliminary roster, their aim is to notify players promptly about their consideration.
“We want everyone to embrace the opportunity (of playing for Team USA); that initial enthusiasm is crucial to us. Many players are eager to join in. Naturally, (USAB managing director Grant Hill) will lead in developing our strategy, and no decisions have been made yet,” Kerr elaborated. “It’s quite likely that not all players desiring to participate will be chosen… whether they are seasoned individuals, former players, or recent standout performers. Irrespective, only 12 players can be selected, making it a challenging process, and it becomes emotionally taxing because you form deep connections with the players.”
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