Luke Walton was promoted on the Warriors coaching staff when Alvin Gentry took the Pelicans job. Walton earned another promotion as interim coach for the preseason due to head coach Steve Kerr undergoing two back surgeries this summer. Kerr’s timetable to officially return to the sideline has been up in the air, so Warriors GM Bob Myers announced that Luke Walton will replace Kerr as head coach for the season opener on Oct. 27.
Following from Carl Steward of the Bay Area News Group:
Bob Myers says Luke Walton will start season as coach. Kerr improving, not ready yet.
— Carl Steward (@stewardsfolly) October 24, 2015
Walton said he found out yesterday he’d be coaching the team at season’s outset, but has been preparing mentally for awhile.
— Carl Steward (@stewardsfolly) October 24, 2015
It’s not as if Kerr is indisposed. He was spotted at practice talking to Warriors owner Joe Lacob, and also apparently spoke with the team.
Steve Kerr after practice, chatting with Joe Lacob. pic.twitter.com/GehKJUOFvB
— Carl Steward (@stewardsfolly) October 24, 2015
Walton, 35, will make his formal NBA head coaching debut this Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. He’ll be coaching against his colleague from last season, Alvin Gentry.
