Warriors star Stephen Curry has been thrust into the conversation surrounding teammate Draymond Green after Green’s punch of Suns center Jusuf Nurkić earned him an indefinite suspension from the league.
Curry’s leadership was called into question by ESPN First Take personality Stephen A. Smith, who openly wondered how the masses would respond if Green instead were teammates with LeBron James. Smith said James would be “all over” Green, seemingly implying that Curry hasn’t done the same.
Curry’s coach, Steve Kerr isn’t having it.
Speaking to reporters after the Warriors’ 121—113 loss to the Clippers on Thursday night, Kerr didn’t mention Smith by name but called the comments “sickening” and “disgusting,” per Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
Steve Kerr: “For anyone to question Steph Curry’s leadership, it’s actually kind of sickening. I saw some of that yesterday. It was disgusting.” pic.twitter.com/Zmairc27Tk
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 15, 2023
“For anybody to question Steph Curry’s leadership, it’s actually kind of sickening to me. And I saw some of that yesterday. It was disgusting. Talking about one of the finest human beings I have ever been around,” Kerr told reporters at his postgame press conference.
The Warriors coach added that such harsh criticism is part of the “climate” that professional athletes have to deal with today.
Green, who was suspended for five games earlier this season after putting Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert in a headlock, should be held accountable for his actions. But it’s fair to wonder whether Smith went too far by assuming he knows how Curry interacts with and handles situations with Green behind closed doors.
Regardless, Kerr was not going to idly sit back amid criticism of the superstar guard.
