Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is in danger to miss not only the remainder of this series against the Portland Trail Blazers, but the entire postseason after experiencing complications from offseason back surgery almost two years ago.
Kerr was absent in Game 3 on Saturday, as the team was coached by assistant Mike Brown, who has had plenty of playoff experience, winning 47 of his 83 career postseason games.
“This is not going to be a case where I'm coaching one night and not coaching the next,” Kerr told ESPN's Chris Haynes. “I'm not going to do that to our team, to our staff. We're hoping that over the next week or two, or whatever it is, I can start to make a definitive realization, a reduction, or just feel it that I'm going to do this or not.”
The man at the helm experienced pain in the head and neck and according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne; Kerr's surgical procedure caused a spinal fluid leak that can cause him excruciating symptoms like migraines and nausea.
“The symptoms, for whatever reason, took a turn for the worse maybe five days ago,” Kerr said. “I was able to manage the pain and discomfort over the last year and a half, and suddenly things got a lot worst and I don't know why.”




The 51-year-old coach is consulting with doctors, hoping to find a potential remedy. Kerr revealed that he tried marijuana to try and alleviate the pain post-surgery.
“I can tell you, if you're listening out there, if you have a back problem, stay away from surgery,” he said. “I can say that from the bottom of my heart. Rehab, rehab, rehab. Don't let anybody get in there.”
While Brown runs the ship until his return, Kerr isn't worried about his decision-making or micromanaging this team while searching for solutions regarding his health; but is rather pleased with how his new assistant coach has done thus far, watching Game 3 through a TV in his hotel room along with his son.
“I was on my couch in my room telling my son we should put so-and-so in right now, and that guy was going to the table,” Kerr said with a laugh. “Mike and I are thinking along the same lines.”