The Athletic NBA Daily Steve Kerr on dealing with Father Time + Saving or scrapping the NBA Cup
Dec 27, 2025
In a candid conversation, Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors and multiple-time champion, reflects on the inevitable end of his dynasty and what life after coaching might look like. He emphasizes the beauty in the struggle of chasing one last ring and shares insights on modern training and the toll of travel. Sam Amick, senior NBA writer, analyzes the NBA Cup's early success and raises critical questions about load management and the need for rule changes to revive game intensity. Together, they explore the generational shift in the league.
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Court Design Reactions From Vegas
- Hosts mocked and celebrated the Cup's court designs and team-specific visuals as part of the spectacle.
- They preferred fully thought-out uniforms like Miami's over bland or lazy court designs.
Cup Needs Tradition, Not Just Format
- The NBA Cup aims to create midseason meaningful stakes similar to European soccer tournaments.
- Building tradition will take time, but early fan and player engagement shows promising signs.
Why Load Management Has Grown
- Hosts and Sam Amick tie rising load management to more possessions, faster play, and early specialization.
- They argue these factors increase wear and tear and shorten availability despite players wanting to play.