After resting starters, Kerr emails irked fans

[navy]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12485702/golden-state-warriors-coach-steve-kerr-responds-frustrated-fan-emails-resting-starters

AKLAND, Calif. -- Steve Kerr took time to email back three disappointed fans who were upset the Golden State coach rested his regulars Friday night at Denver before playing Saturday at home against New York.

"There's two really good sides to the story," Kerr said. "Nobody's wrong here. ... I can't argue with them."

One of the emails Kerr received was from a family that drove from South Dakota to the Mile High City with high hopes of seeing All-Stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson lead the Western Conference's top team. Instead, those two rested along with center Andrew Bogut and Andre Iguodala.

Kerr also received a "couple of catcalls, a couple boos during the introductions" from the stands. He hadn't heard anything from the league about his decision Saturday, when Golden State played its fifth game in seven days, with two of those having been away.

"I heard from some fans. I received a few emails, stories about driving in from a long distance off and spending a lot of money on tickets," Kerr said. "I have great sympathy for those people. I really do. It's a tricky one. It's something that I think Adam Silver is trying to address through the scheduling shuffling that he's talking about.

"It's real important, because our fans deserve to see the best product out there. If somebody spends a lot of money, they deserve to see the best players, the guy that they came to see. On the other hand, as coaches we have to do what's best to prepare our teams for a really long year."

Kerr still would prefer to start the season 10-12 days early around Oct. 20, cutting down on the eight preseason games and month of training camp. He also noted that in every other sport, players get days off.

Golden State had its five-game winning streak snapped in the 114-103 loss to the Nuggets, then returned home to begin a six-game stretch at Oracle Arena. Even Denver heard from angry fans on Twitter, such as one father who rented a suite for his son's birthday because the boy loved Curry & Co. By the second half, he had turned his attention to cheering for the Nuggets.

Kerr -- who noted the rest was as much mental as physical -- made a point to respond to the fans via email, and one who received a nice note got back in touch with the Warriors to let them know how surprised and appreciative he was to hear from the first-year coach.

"He's great. He's very engaging. He's a normal guy," Bogut said of Kerr's gesture. "We're definitely not used to that in a head coach."

Bogut understands that kids might have one chance -- one ticket all season -- to see an NBA game live, and that they'd want to see the best matchups.

But Kerr is preparing his team to be fresh come playoff time for what the franchise hopes is a deep run.

"It's tough, if I was a kid and had one ticket to go to and guys rested," Bogut said. "It's just a part of the grueling NBA season. It's unfortunate for the fans who were a little [ticked] off by it, but we have aspirations to go deep in the playoffs and to get to the end, we have to do what's best for our side."

[navy]

The nba has been going through a resting revolution these past few years. I've never seen anything like it. Popovich, what have you done.

[imdaman99]

Can't wait till OKC knocks em out, and gives em an offseason of rest :applause:

[navy]

Can't wait till OKC knocks em out, and gives em an offseason of rest :applause:
Not even in the playoffs yet.

[warriorfan]

So much demand for these guys. One game off and all hell breaks loose...that's why they get the big bucks I guess.

[AnaheimLakers24]

Pathetic. Players in their prime woulf never miss due to rest :lol bunch pusssiees in this league. Light skin fgts

[Sarcastic]

Rests his players vs Denver, so that he can be ready for the Knicks.
Typical.


They're a second round team at best anyway.

[Smoke117]

There is absolutely no reason to bench a 27 and 25 year old for rest. Bogut I could see yeah, but those other 2?

[Heavincent]

Rests his players vs Denver, so that he can be ready for the Knicks.
Typical.


They're a second round team at best anyway.

Butthurt Knicks fan :lol

Explain to me why they're a second round exit at best. This should be good.

[ZenMaster]

There is absolutely no reason to bench a 27 and 25 year old for rest. Bogut I could see yeah, but those other 2?

Warriors are trying to put together a 100+ game season, they all need rest.

[Sarcastic]

Butthurt Knicks fan :lol

Explain to me why they're a second round exit at best. This should be good.


Usual weakness for jump shooting teams in playoffs. No interior presence.

[Droid101]

Usual weakness for jump shooting teams in playoffs. No interior presence.
Um... Golden State has the best defense in the league. They're fine.

Seriously, butthurt Knick fans shouldn't be commenting on anything anywhere.

[Sarcastic]

Um... Golden State has the best defense in the league. They're fine.

Seriously, butthurt Knick fans shouldn't be commenting on anything anywhere.

I could really give 2 shits about GS. Just commented how it's funny that Kerr rested his starters to prepare for the Knicks. He could have rested his starters tonight and still won the game easily.

[JohnFreeman]

Is it really that hard playing a 82 game schedule? Put it in perspective.

[CavaliersFTW]

So much demand for these guys. One game off and all hell breaks loose...that's why they get the big bucks I guess.
To be fair, would you want your teams stars to last minute be pulled for "rest" on the day you paid good money to get some tickets?

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Matters little but it was in Denver. It's slightly less appalling to do it to the opposing fan base than your own.

[BlazerRed]

I was at the game.. **** the Warriors. Hope OKC smash these ******* and send them back to irrelevance!

[Fudge]

I was at the game.. **** the Warriors. Hope OKC smash these ******* and send them back to irrelevance!
It's happening, son.

They scared now.

[navy]

I was at the game.. **** the Warriors. Hope OKC smash these ******* and send them back to irrelevance!
Be honest. You sent the emails.

[Sarcastic]

To be fair, would you want your teams stars to last minute be pulled for "rest" on the day you paid good money to get some tickets?

Exactly. I can understand resting Bogut, but why do guys in their mid 20s have to be rested?

[BlazerRed]

Be honest. You sent the emails.
I sent a fuming email to Golden State. Hoping to hear back with a check in the mail soon.

[Akrazotile]

"He's great. He's very engaging. He's a normal guy," Bogut said of Kerr's gesture. "We're definitely not used to that in a head coach."



:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[navy]

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:
Shots fired.

[Akrazotile]

Shots fired.


Mama there goes that ether

[Fudge]

"He's great. He's very engaging. He's a normal guy," Bogut said of Kerr's gesture. "We're definitely not used to that in a head coach."
http://img.pandawhale.com/87618-Mark-Jackson-face-close-up-gif-oie0.gif

[BlazerRed]

http://img.pandawhale.com/87618-Mark-Jackson-face-close-up-gif-oie0.gif
:oldlol:

[Heavincent]

http://img.pandawhale.com/87618-Mark-Jackson-face-close-up-gif-oie0.gif

:roll: :roll: :roll:

[Heavincent]

I could really give 2 shits about GS. Just commented how it's funny that Kerr rested his starters to prepare for the Knicks. He could have rested his starters tonight and still won the game easily.

Because they were at home tonight.

[Sarcastic]

Because they were at home tonight.

No problem with playing starters tonight. I wanted Knicks to lose tonight. Why rest em for Denver, which is what the email was about.

[kenny817]

If I paid my hard earned money to watch a player play...and the coach sat them for rest...I'd want my money back

[Marchesk]

I don't care. I wish the NBA could cut back to 60 games, eliminating back to backs. 82 is too many. But they never will, because it will cost the owners $$.

Imagine how much more competitive 60 games would be. 82 just feels long and like not every game matters that much. Players careers would get extended. There would be less injuries and fresher bodies for the playoffs.

[ButterFace]

I like Kerr's letter. Honest, with a hint at trying to get people on board with a more spread out schedule.

[Sarcastic]

I don't care. I wish the NBA could cut back to 60 games, eliminating back to backs. 82 is too many. But they never will, because it will cost the owners $$.

Imagine how much more competitive 60 games would be. 82 just feels long and like not every game matters that much. Players careers would get extended. There would be less injuries and fresher bodies for the playoffs.

If Wilt can play 82 for 48.5 minutes in Converse, then these pusses can play 30 for 82 games too.

[navy]

If Wilt can play 82 for 48.5 minutes in Converse, then these pusses can play 30 for 82 games too.
Wilt Chamberlain use to fight mountain lions. Dont ever compare him to current nba players. :biggums:

[BlazerRed]

If I paid my hard earned money to watch a player play...and the coach sat them for rest...I'd want my money back
Don't worry I emailed them to get my money back. I also requested $10,000 in damages for the hardship I suffered getting all excited to see Curry and Thompson, then getting disappointed. Shame on the Golden State organization. At least I'll be able to take my honey on a holiday with their settlement.

[Marchesk]

If Wilt can play 82 for 48.5 minutes in Converse, then these pusses can play 30 for 82 games too.

They can but this is an argument for better quality regular season games. If Wilt was playing today, I wouldn't want him playing that many minutes or games either.

But it's not going to happen. Maybe they extend the season a bit to reduce back to backs. They could start earlier and reduce the preseason.

[Sarcastic]

They can but this is an argument for better quality regular season games. If Wilt was playing today, I wouldn't want him playing that many minutes or games either.

But it's not going to happen. Maybe they extend the season a bit to reduce back to backs. They could start earlier and reduce the preseason.

They play basketball. Hockey players take much more abuse, and play as many games. Modern players are just pusses.

Fewer games is less money for them and owners. No one wants that. This is a business first and foremost. Bottom line rules.

[iamgine]

Why don't they just prolong the season by a month? It seems like a simple solution. Same 82 games+playoff, but instead of ending in June, it ends in July. Push back all the events (draft, etc) by a month.

[Timmy D for MVP]

If the NBA is truly upset with all the resting then they need to fix the schedule.

I truly believe Adam Silver is going to do just that, and do it soon.

[Sarcastic]

Wilt Chamberlain use to fight mountain lions. Dont ever compare him to current nba players. :biggums:

And Westbrook is a teenage mutant ninja turtle. They're big boys. They can handle it.

[navy]

Why don't they just prolong the season by a month? It seems like a simple solution. Same 82 games+playoff, but instead of ending in June, it ends in July. Push back all the events (draft, etc) by a month.
Nobody wants to play in july.

[Droid101]

They play basketball. Hockey players take much more abuse, and play as many games. Modern players are just pusses.

Fewer games is less money for them and owners. No one wants that. This is a business first and foremost. Bottom line rules.
This salty bitch wouldn't have anything to say if the Knicks were a first seed team resting their dudes for the playoffs.

What a piece of shit.

[Sarcastic]

Nobody wants to play in july.

Exactly. Only about 2 months rest between seasons with that.

How about players stop being pusses and man up. Injuries are part of the game. Fatigue is part of the game. Accept it.

[Sarcastic]

This salty bitch wouldn't have anything to say if the Knicks were a first seed team resting their dudes for the playoffs.

What a piece of shit.

You're an idiot. I would and will say the same shit no matter who's in first. How many times did I watch Ewing get and play injured and cost the Knicks. Countless times.

82 games is the standard for NBA history. Get used to it.

[Upgrayedd]

NBA players are such p*ssies nowadays.

[iamgine]

Nobody wants to play in july.
Well the season can start earlier then.

[iamgine]

Exactly. Only about 2 months rest between seasons with that.

How about players stop being pusses and man up. Injuries are part of the game. Fatigue is part of the game. Accept it.
It's not the players, it's the coach and team who rest players.

[Beastmode88]

Didnt MJ played 10 seasons of 82 games? League is soft.

[navy]

Didnt MJ played 10 seasons of 82 games? League is soft.
No, but even if he did he also took time off to go play baseball. Hardcore man.

[dubeta]

Didnt MJ played 10 seasons of 82 games? League is soft.

Btw thanks for the concern, as well as the free rent :cheers:

[keep-itreal]

Pathetic. Players in their prime woulf never miss due to rest :lol bunch pusssiees in this league. Light skin fgts
:roll:

[dunksby]

If Wilt can play 82 for 48.5 minutes in Converse, then these pusses can play 30 for 82 games too.
He didn't last long either, and why are you comparing a super athlete to all modern players? Teams can rest their stars if they are comfortable with their seeding, fans who matter put team success over all.

[T_L_P]

He didn't last long either, and why are you comparing a super athlete to all modern players? Teams can rest their stars if they are comfortable with their seeding, fans who matter put team success over all.

It's about organisational trust.

I don't know why an Atlanta fan or Warriors fan would be upset about this. Their teams are basically guaranteed the #1 seed, and they have real title hopes. Why would resting players be a problem then?

A Knicks fan being mad at Melo for sitting out (let's just hypothetically say he was resting instead of recovering) is understandable though. They won't make the Playoffs for another 5+ years, so for them they need to be assured that the players care. :confusedshrug:

[Beastmode88]

No, but even if he did he also took time off to go play baseball. Hardcore man.

http://youtu.be/62Xe4RnMkNw @ 1:28

MJ played 82 games for his last year as a wizard as well. Like Allen Iversion said there's probably a kid out in that arena that's never seen him play and he owes it to them. Like i said the league is soft as fcuk atm.

[Sarcastic]

He didn't last long either, and why are you comparing a super athlete to all modern players? Teams can rest their stars if they are comfortable with their seeding, fans who matter put team success over all.

What do you mean he didn't last long? He played over 1000 games. Did you expect him to play 20 seasons of 82 games, or over 1600 games? What's a fair amount of games for someone to play?

[tomtucker]

NBA players are such p*ssies nowadays.

.
http://www.gq.com/images/moty/2013/jason-collins/jason-collins-gq-magazine-december-2013-men-of-the-year-01.jpg
.
" Exactly the reason why i quit !..........it was better in the old days when players were assholes "

[dunksby]

It's about organisational trust.

I don't know why an Atlanta fan or Warriors fan would be upset about this. Their teams are basically guaranteed the #1 seed, and they have real title hopes. Why would resting players be a problem then?

A Knicks fan being mad at Melo for sitting out (let's just hypothetically say he was resting instead of recovering) is understandable though. They won't make the Playoffs for another 5+ years, so for them they need to be assured that the players care. :confusedshrug:
This is trivial though, I'm sure lots of other coaches got hate mail before, it's just that Kerr taking time to reply to them just made it news.

[dannywpt]

"He's great. He's very engaging. He's a normal guy," Bogut said of Kerr's gesture. "We're definitely not used to that in a head coach."

Bogut has been throwing these jabs at Mark Jackson at least once a week the entire season so far. :oldlol:

[ILLsmak]

There is absolutely no reason to bench a 27 and 25 year old for rest. Bogut I could see yeah, but those other 2?

Dunno, look at minutes, too. They are way down from how they used to be. People are thinking long term now.

Their highest MPG is 33. No rest once the playoff starts. I can see why they'd do it. But if Kerr really cared, he'd buy tickets for everyone who e-mailed him. lol. some PLAYOFF tickets.

-Smak

[Asukal]

It sucks for the paying customers not to see their stars play but I agree with Kerr's decision. Rest is good for the body and star players definitely need some of it. Of course they can play all 82, they are ****ing athletes ffs. But resting can be very beneficial for the team specially since the bench gets to play more minutes and could help the team chemistry by a lot. I think Kerr is going to be a great coach. :applause:

[Akrazotile]

No, but even if he did he also took time off to go play baseball. Hardcore man.


Some would argue that he didnt really "take time off" but was "forced to step away after his gambling debts got his father killed." Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Wait, wrong use of that phrase.

[Hopper15]

Rests his players vs Denver, so that he can be ready for the Knicks.
Typical.


They're a second round team at best anyway.

lol at a knicks fan ripping the team with the best record in the nba.:oldlol: