Even if they hadn’t played a game since March and are watching instead of participating in the NBA playoffs, the Golden State Warriors have a lot of reasons to feel good. This is especially true for head coach Steve Kerr.
It was recently announced that former Warriors player Leandro Barbosa will join Kerr’s coaching staff, while another former player in Shaun Livingston will join the team’s front office. Kerr, who also served as an executive for the Phoenix Suns from 2004-2010, reacted positively to Golden State’s new hires.
According to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, Livingston is set to serve as the team’s director of player affairs and engagement. The 35-year old Livingston, who announced his retirement prior to the start of the season, is familiar with the Warriors, having played for them in the last five years, which included five trips to the NBA Finals and three championships. During his time with Golden State, Livingston averaged 5.4 points on 52% shooting, two rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Barbosa, meanwhile, announced on Instagram that he is rejoining Golden State as part of Kerr’s coaching staff and serving as a player mentor coach. The 37-year old Barbosa played two seasons for the Warriors, helping them win the 2015 NBA championship and averaging 6.7 points on 46.8% shooting while adding 1.6 rebounds and 1.4 assist per game.
The additions of Livingston and Barbosa are expected to help Golden State, which is coming off a season where it finished with an NBA worst 15-50 record. The Warriors, however, are expected to get back Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson next season after being sidelined by injuries this season. The 2018 NBA champions also won the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft this October, which could add more firepower to their squad.
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