SAN FRANCISCO – Warriors coach Steve Kerr has a long resume of political activism, and is no stranger to voicing his opinion on current events.
So it came as no surprise that, on his day off, Kerr was one of tens of thousands in the Bay Area who attended a “No Kings” protest on Saturday, which were held in opposition to actions taken by the current presidential administration under Donald Trump.
“Beautiful people out there, and it was a love fest,” Kerr said. “Music playing, everybody marching peacefully. Everyone I saw 100% loves our country. And as is our country’s custom, if you don’t agree with what your government is doing, then you peacefully protest, and that’s how it should be. We are the democracy, we the people.”
Kerr had sarcastically remarked that he must “hate America” when revealing his plans following Friday’s preseason finale, mocking a talking point made by current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who called the events “I hate America” rallies.
It is not the first time this year that Kerr has expressed his disagreement with Trump and his administration.
Back in April after defeating the Grizzlies in the play-in tournament, Kerr wore a Harvard shirt to the postgame podium, showing support to a university that was under fire by the administration.
Six months later, Kerr described his actions at the Embarcadero Square in downtown San Francisco as patriotic.
“I think its been proven that, you know, there’s a lot of sway out there right now, whether its from the media or political pressure,” Kerr said. “We have to be the ones who can push things forward. And the way to do that is to peacefully protest, make your voice heard. That’s what I saw yesterday. It was a beautiful day.”
Kuminga, Butler update
Jonathan Kuminga and Jimmy Butler both scrimmaged Sunday morning, and are on pace to play against the Lakers in the team’s regular season opener in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
“They both looked good,” Trayce Jackson-Davis said. “JK played really, really well. He was defending, getting to the rim, made nice pullup jumpers and stuff of that nature. The aggressiveness was there.”
They both missed the finale with ankle injuries, and Butler did not play in the final three preseason games due to a combination of injuries and an excused personal reason.
Starting lineup is in flux
Kerr kept things close to the vest when describing the starting lineup. Moses Moody did not practice and will not play against the Lakers. Steph Curry, Green and Butler (if healthy) are all presumed starters.
Podziemski will likely start at shooting guard, but the fifth starter is still up in the air. Kuminga is a candidate, should Kerr opt to play Green at center. Kerr reiterated the team’s desire to keep Al Horford’s minutes to around 20, which is the reason he is not a lock to start.
“If you start a guy who is playing 20 minutes, its hard to space out the minutes over 48, and he ends up sitting for a long time,” Kerr said.