Steve Kerr recently sparked debate by acknowledging that he is “too old” to develop young players.
The four-time champion coach revealed that he relies on young assistants for player development duties.
The conversation escalated amid Jonathan Cuminga’s uncertain position with the Golden State Warriors, just as Shannon Sharp believes Kerr will have a major impact on it.
His critics argue that Steve Kerr lacks confidence in young talent and the ability to develop effectively.
Warriors expert Dan Diblee defends Steve Kerr’s approach and opposes criticism.
He argues that the coach’s primary responsibility is not developing rookies given the aging core of the team’s Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.
Dibley highlighted the unique development system of Warriors through Greague’s affiliate Santa Cruz, and cited Jordan Pool as a success story.
“Everything is different when it comes to all the coaching staff, development,” Diblee said.
“If you have Jimmy Butler, the Warriors and Steph and Draymond, and now three veterans near the end of your career, and if you’re still fantasizing yourself in the Championship window, your number one job is to put out the best teams to win right now.”
Dibley emphasized that development requires player commitment and that Jordan Pool is an example.
“The Jordan Pool is relegated to Santa Cruz. He goes there, destroys his A_S, gets better, earns his path, and the rest is history,” he explained.
Pool broke out in its third year with over 70 games and 51 starts after playing under 60 games in its first two seasons.
His score jumped from 18.5 points per game to 20.4 the following season after proving he was ready to make the leap.
However, the pool was eventually traded to Washington. Dibley attributed this to a conflict of style rather than a failure in development.
He also noticed that Pool’s individual approaches collided with the Warriors system despite statistical success.
“I think it was part of the end of the Jordan Poole story because, despite averaging 20 games that year, he started playing certain ways that didn’t suit what they were trying to do,” Diblee explained.
“The way he did it wasn’t the way some of the vets enjoyed playing and thriving,” added Diblee.