Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, fresh off a 101-89 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers on October 13, shared his vision for the NBA's future in an exclusive interview. The nine-time champion discussed evolving offensive principles and the changing role of big men as his team prepares for its next preseason fixture against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 16.
Kerr believes the trends of pace and space will keep evolving. He pointed out that analytics now track more than just speed. Teams are focusing on concepts over set plays.
"I'm seeing fewer play calls and more flow basketball," Kerr said. "The faster the game gets, the harder it is to get organized. You have to figure that out without slowing down for a called play."
He noted this is a major focus for the Warriors right now. Their recent 111-106 preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings on October 10 showed glimpses of this fluid style.
The coach acknowledged a significant shift. For years, going small was seen as the optimal strategy. That thinking has changed.
"Now teams are playing the same style, but with bigger players," Kerr explained. "Ideally, if you can play with pace and space with four guys who are seven feet tall, you do it."
This balance is being tested across the league. The Warriors' preseason results, including a 124-98 win over the Lakers on October 6 and a 104-101 loss to the LA Clippers on October 4, reflect a period of experimentation with lineups and tempo.
Few figures have seen the league evolve from as many angles as Kerr. His career spans five decades as a collegiate star, a role player, a broadcaster, an executive, and a legendary coach.
He was the 50th overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft. Kerr won three consecutive championships with the Chicago Bulls from 1996 to 1998. He added two more as a player with the San Antonio Spurs.
After a successful stint as Phoenix Suns general manager, he took over the Warriors in 2014. Golden State won the title in his first season, starting a run of five straight Finals appearances and four championships under his leadership.
The immediate focus is the final preseason tune-up. The Warriors host the Portland Trail Blazers on October 16, looking to build momentum after a 123-118 loss to them on October 7.
Kerr's return for his 13th and 14th seasons provides stability. His deep experience with the game's transformations gives him a rare lens to view its future. Fans can follow the team's progress through the official roster and stats pages.
Integrating size without sacrificing speed will be a key challenge. Kerr's insights suggest the NBA's next phase favors versatile, skilled giants who can shoot and run. How the Warriors adapt this preseason will offer early clues.
