Gregg Popovich on Steve Kerr’s health issues: ‘It’s just a crap situation’

While the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs have engaged in a testy Western Conference Finals, the coaching staffs of the two organizations share a closeness. Gregg Popovich spoke of that Monday before Game 4.

Popovich briefly discussed his relationship with acting Golden State coach Mike Brown before giving a lot of attention to Steve Kerr, who remains sidelined.

“I’ve spoken with Steve and Mike. We’re friends. We’ve known each other a long time. But as far as Steve is concerned, it’s just a crap situation. He’s done a phenomenal job. And when you’re going through pain every day and that frustration, and not being able to do what you want to do, it’s hard to enjoy it at the fullest level. So, I feel badly for him all of the time. But hopeful that something will get figured out.”

Given that Kerr is sidelined with complications from a surgery that took place nearly two years ago, it’s hard to argue with Popovich’s take.

Kerr coached the first two games of Golden State’s opening round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, but he missed Game 3 and has not returned to the bench since. This is all related to problems stemming from a back surgery that Kerr underwent following the 2015 season, which caused him to miss the opening 43 games of the following season.

Kerr played with the Spurs under Popovich from 1999-2001, and again in 2003.