Steve Kerr Shocked by Warriors’ Travel Load, Raises Injury Concerns
Kerr did not hide his disbelief. “It’s been the toughest early schedule I have ever been a part of in my entire NBA life,” he said, per Golden State of Mind. The comment held weight, considering he has lived nearly three decades inside the league. The Warriors also lean on a starting core that averages over thirty years old with
Based on city mapping and flight estimates, Golden State logged roughly 10,770 miles during its opening month. The trip that began on November 11 stretched past a full week, running the roster through multiple time zones and long jumps across the country. The team dropped several games as it cycled through the grind: losses in Portland, Milwaukee, Indiana, Sacramento, Denver, Oklahoma City, Orlando, and Miami. They grabbed wins in Los Angeles, two in San Antonio, and one in New Orleans.
The Warriors finally traveled back to the Bay Area after wrapping up the road swing in Miami, Foot Boom reports. They completed a run of twelve road games in seventeen total contests. Seven straight battles away from home closed the trip, including defeats in Orlando and Miami. The
Kerr did not mask his irritation with the rhythm of the schedule. “Literally, we have not had a single practice this trip. None,” he told reporters. “Eight days without practice. Just game after game, no chance to catch our breath.” He pointed out how earlier eras, even with four games in five nights, included longer rest pockets. He again voiced support for trimming the 82 game slate to something closer to 72.
Kerr Details Why the Pace of Play Adds More Pressure
Kerr expanded the conversation when asked about soft tissue injuries across the league. Several stars currently face multi week timelines because of groin and calf strains. Kerr connected that trend to an aggressive offensive pace that now defines the league.
“I am very concerned,” Kerr said, via ESPN’s Anthony Slater, per MSN. He pointed to dramatic speed increases and more teams pushing the ball early in possessions. “Everybody understands now that it is easier to score if you beat the opponent down the floor.” He noted that defenders must chase out to twenty five feet because of league wide shooting range, which places more stress on legs that already cover more ground than ever.
He added that NBA data shows players “running faster and further than ever before,” and that the Warriors have tried to protect their group. The challenge comes from the constant churn of the schedule. “We basically have a game every other night, and it is not an easy thing to do,” Kerr said.
Warriors Face a Travel Reality Few Teams Have Matched
Golden State now returns home, but Kerr’s comments highlight a larger theme. A veteran roster traveled through thirteen different cities in twenty nine days and played seventeen times without meaningful practice. The miles piled up quickly. The injuries around the league added another layer of concern. Kerr’s reaction summed up what the early stretch has felt like. A long ride, a difficult pace, and a belief that something needs to change.
Browns Insider Doubles Down on Major Deshaun Watson Claim
Deshaun Watson may not see the field this season, but the Cleveland Browns plan to keep him around for at least another year, per a prominent team insider.
Watson has been recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, which has sidelined him for over a year. He initially suffered the injury in October of last year. Watson had a
In recent weeks, the Browns have faced routine questions about when Watson will be designated for a return to practice
“My feeling right now, in a perfect world, they’ll wait until the offseason to put him on the practice field. They have to be careful that this is a revision of an Achilles and there isn’t a great reason to throw him into a football game on just three weeks of practice when he’s been out for so incredibly long. I think they’d like to bring him back slowly in OTAs, minicamp and not rush him into anything this year,”
Deshaun Watson to Remain With Browns Next Season
The good news for Watson is that he’ll almost certainly be on the roster next season with another chance to prove himself, per Cabot. His
“He will be on the team next year, definitely. He will be here,” Cabot said. “There are too many cap considerations for him to get cut or anything like that. He will be around.”
What the Browns quarterback situation will look like at that point is uncertain. Cleveland has already rolled with three different quarterbacks this season — Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, who will draw his first start on Sunday against the
The Browns also hold two first-round picks, which they could use to draft their future franchise quarterback. At 2-8, the Browns have a
Shedeur Sanders Eager to Be ‘The Guy’ for Browns
Sanders will get his first crack at proving he can be the answer for the Browns long-term on Sunday. His first NFL action did not go great. He stepped in for an injured Gabriel at the half and completed just four passes for 47 yards with an interception.
But Sanders is ready to put that behind him and feels like he has the right mindset heading into the matchup.
“I know our fans have a lot of expectations and hope, and I would be doing a disservice to myself and disservice to the organization if I didn’t feel like I am the guy. I did everything I need to. I’m doing everything I need to prepare to be the best version of myself as possible,”
Watson has remained around the facility during his recovery. He’s been a resource for the team’s young quarterbacks, including Sanders, who he took “under his wing.”
