Steve Kerr’s summer is over.
The Warriors coach is used to short offseasons due to NBA Finals runs, but he got an extra month to recharge this summer after the team was bounced in the second round of the playoffs. While Golden State’s training camp isn’t set to begin until Oct. 2, Kerr will be back on the practice court Thursday as Team USA will convene in Las Vegas to prepare for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in the Phillippines.
Kerr joined ESPN’s NBA Today for an interview to preview the action, as Team USA will practice for the next three days in Sin City.
“It’s just a joy and honor to be part of it,” Kerr said. “An incredible experience to coach both in the World Cup and Olympics. To coach with guys like Erik Spoelsta, Ty Lue and Mark Few and to coach the players that we have – guys I’m used to competing against all season long – it’s really an amazing experience and I’m happy to be part of it.”
Team USA will play Puerto Rico Monday in Las Vegas for its first of five exhibition games, before playing two in Spain and two in Abu Dhabi. Kerr’s squad will open the FIBA World Cup on Aug. 26 against New Zealand in the Philippines.
Kerr has been on staff for Team USA since 2017, and succeeds his mentor Gregg Popovich in taking over the unit.
Many NBA superstars – including Warriors like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green – won’t be representing Team USA at the World Cup, but the roster is still expected to compete for a gold medal.
Kerr isn’t taking anything for granted, though. Team USA won the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 but finished a disappointing seventh place in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
“Times have changed,” Kerr said. “Arguably three of the top four or five players in the NBA are foreigners. The international teams have caught up. It’s much tougher competition now than ever before.”
The 32-country tournament will feature first round games in the Philippines, Japan and Malaysia before all the knockout stage games will be held in Manila, Philippines.
Players with Warriors ties in the World Cup include two-way player Lester Quinones (Dominican Republic), 2022 draft pick Gui Santos (Brazil), 2020 draft pick Nico Mannion (Italy), Nemanja Nedovic (Serbia), who played in 24 games for the Warriors during the 2013-14 season, and 2019 draft pick Alen Smailagic (Serbia).
TEAM USA ROSTER
Paolo Banchero (Magic)
Mikal Bridges (Nets)
Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)
Josh Hart (Knicks)
Brandon Ingram (Pelicans)
Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)
Cam Johnson (Nets)
Walker Kessler (Jazz)
Bobby Portis (Bucks)
Austin Reaves (Lakers)
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