Steve Kerr, who has been around the league for a long time as a player and coach, is concerned about a worrying trend.
Soft tissue injuries have dominated the NBA's first five weeks, keeping big-name stars out of action. Some recent examples include Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama.
Steve Kerr was asked if he was concerned about the increase in soft tissue injuries among players and whether he thought it had to do with the increased pace of games and intense schedules.
“I'm very concerned,” Kerr said, via ESPN's Anthony Slater.
“The speed difference is huge. This team tonight [the Magic] Their pace has definitely picked up compared to last year. I think everybody across the league understands now that if you can beat your opponent on the floor and get out in transition, it's easier to score. But when everyone does that, the game moves faster, and then everyone has to get within 25 feet because everyone can shoot threes.
“So we have all the data. Players are running faster and farther than ever before, so we're doing our best to protect them, but [we] There is basically a game every other night, which is not an easy thing to do. “
According to Slater, the NBA is playing at its fastest average collective pace since the 1988-89 season.
Kerr recently acknowledged that the Warriors' 2025-26 schedule is unlike any he's seen.
“The Miami game will be our 17th game in 29 days in 13 different cities. This is the toughest early schedule of my entire NBA career,” Kerr said on 95.7 The Game.
The legendary coach said he voiced his opinion on the schedule at league meetings, but ultimately it all comes down to money.
“I mean, the tricky part is everyone, all the voters, have to agree to the revenue reduction,” Kerr said.
“In America in 2025? Good luck to you, no matter what industry you're in. Imagine some big company saying, 'You know what? We don't really care about our stock price. We actually care about hiring people, providing people with stable jobs, and making our products better.'”
He added: “Come on, that's not going to happen. We know that.”
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