Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has added former NBA champion coach Frank Vogel to his staff as a lead assistant.
Vogel made it clear his hiring was not a play for LeBron James. He and James won a title together with the Lakers in 2020, but Vogel said that connection wasn't the primary reason for his move. Steve Kerr was the driving force, having pursued Vogel for two years. The chance to work with a core featuring Steph Curry and Draymond Green proved too good to pass up. Vogel believes any team with those two can win at a high level, attributing recent struggles largely to injuries.
He pointed to Jimmy Butler's torn ACL in the 2025-26 season and Curry's past hamstring issue as major setbacks. The Warriors feel they can compete with anyone when fully healthy. Vogel's task is to install a new defensive system that maximizes the roster's talent. He's particularly excited about working with center Kristaps Porziņģis, believing his schemes can get the most out of shot-blocking big men.
Draymond Green will remain the defensive anchor, a role he's held for years. Vogel's system, however, will demand adjustments from every player. He wants to put Porziņģis in positions to excel as a rim protector. The coach also has high expectations for rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound first-round pick known for his toughness. Vogel stated bluntly that nobody will overpower the rookie early in his career.
Buy-in from the role players will be essential. If the team can stay relatively healthy and adapt to Vogel's defensive principles, he sees a very high ceiling. The goal is to keep their head above water until key players return from injury, transforming into one of the league's most dangerous teams.
Vogel wouldn't have returned to coaching so quickly if he didn't believe in the group's potential. His championship experience and defensive focus are direct responses to the team's recent vulnerabilities. With Curry and Green leading the way, Vogel could play a significant part in helping them chase a fifth NBA championship. The partnership represents a major strategic shift for a franchise determined to climb back up the standings.
