Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr will not be on the team’s bench to start the season, the team announced Saturday.
Kerr remains out because of complications stemming from back surgery. Interim coach Luke Walton will act in his place when the Warriors open the season Tuesday at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Walton has been coaching in place of Kerr throughout the preseason. General manager Bob Myers said there is no timetable on Kerr’s return.
“Even if you ask Steve, he doesn’t know,” Myers said.
Kerr had surgery on July 28 to repair an injury he sustained during the NBA Finals. The Warriors won the title over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He had another operation on Sept. 4 when the dura around his spine was cut and spinal fluid leaked during his first surgery.
The spinal fluid leaks have caused Kerr to have agonizing headaches.
Kerr was at the team’s practice Saturday and will make occasional visits until he is ready for a full return.
Walton found out Friday that he would serve as head coach to start the season.
“When he first stepped away, my gut told me he’d be back by the start of the season,” Walton said. “But my gut was wrong.”
Kerr will be at Tuesday’s game for the team’s championship ring ceremony.