Former Players Blame Steve Kerr for Demise of Warriors’ Dynasty

Former player Rashad McCants pointed his finger at Steve Kerr for ending the Warriors' dynasty.

Former Players Blame Steve Kerr for Demise of Warriors’ Dynasty

Steve Kerr (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Steve Kerr's coaching tenure with the Warriors is under scrutiny following their early playoff exit.
  • Former player Rashad McCants blames Kerr for the decline of the Warriors' dynasty, citing issues with players like Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga.
  • Kerr has not yet decided on his future with the Warriors, with no contract offer currently on the table.

It looks like the Golden State Warriors era under Steve Kerr has come to an end. Their 2025-26 campaign ended with a loss to the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament, as they were looking to be the eighth seeds in the Western Conference playoffs. Despite the immense success under Kerr, not everyone is a fan of the head coach’s tenure with the Dubs.

Former NBA player Rashad McCants believes Kerr was responsible for ending the Warriors’ dynasty.

I don’t like Steve Kerr. I don’t like what he did to Jordan Poole. I don’t like what he did to Klay. I don’t like what he did to Kuminga.

Rashad McCants on Gil’s Arena podcast

The incidents mentioned by McCants did play a role in hurting the Warriors’ future. Jordan Poole played a crucial role in the Warriors’ 2022 championship. Unfortunately, the incident between Draymond Green and Poole caused the young guard to leave the Warriors as Steve Kerr backed Green.

Then came the curious case of Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga was drafted as the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA draft and was expected to lead the Warriors in the post-Stephen Curry era. While Kuminga did show flashes of brilliance, his relationship with Kerr broke down, and Kerr was the reason for his eventual exit. The forward was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis at the trade deadline this year.

Since joining the Warriors in 2014, Kerr has led the Warriors to four championships and six NBA Finals in 12 years. He had a great relationship with franchise star Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. However, McCants believes Kerr was the reason for the Warriors’ dynasty coming to an end.

Steve Kerr is nearing his final decision on Warriors future

There is no doubt that Steve Kerr will go down as a Warriors legend even if he decides to end his 12-year spell in the offseason. He will go down as one of the best head coaches in the history of the game. Under his tutelage, Curry grew into one of the best players of all time and won several accolades.

Kerr embraced Curry and Green after their loss to the Suns. Many, including Green, were led to believe that his time with the Dubs has come to an end.

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr huddling after their last game
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr huddling after their last game (Image via NBA Central/X)

NBA Insider Anthony Slater reported that Kerr is yet to make a final decision on his future.

Steve Kerr has made no decision yet in regard to his future coaching the Warriors and the two sides don’t expect to come to any firm determination until next week at the earliest, I’m told.

Anthony Slater on Steve Kerr’s future

If Kerr does decide to leave the Warriors, he has made it clear he would not coach any other team in the NBA. Irrespective, he will go down as a Hall of Famer as a head coach.

Brian Windhorst shares why Steve Kerr’s future with the Warriors is in jeopardy

After Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January, the Warriors were more or less out of championship contention. While the Dubs made it to the second round of the playoffs last year, they have struggled to find consistent postseason success over the last six years. They failed to make it to the playoffs for the second time in the last three years.

ESPN insider Brian Windhorst revealed that Kerr’s future with the Warriors involves money as well.

The Steve Kerr situation, I think there’s a nuance that people need to understand. There’s not a contract sitting on the table for Steve Kerr. It’s not like they’ve said, ‘Steve, just re-sign’. I’m not saying they wouldn’t re-sign him, but he makes $17 million. And I’m not sure, you know, when they paid him that contract, the Warriors were competing to win the West. That’s not the case anymore.

Brian Windhorst on Dan Patrick Show

With Curry at 38, the Warriors may need to acquire a new star to help extend his championship window. The Dubs have a long offseason ahead, and it starts with Steve Kerr’s future.

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