Kerr to increase practice workload with eye on potential return

The reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors have traversed the opening quarter of the 2015-16 campaign with relative ease, accumulating a 24-1 record in the most dominant start to a season in league history.

This success has come without head coach Steve Kerr manning the sidelines, though, after Kerr underwent two offseason surgeries on his back to repair a herniated disc (July 28) and spinal leak (Sept. 4).

While no timetable has been given for his return, Kerr plans to increase his workload at practices during the Warriors' upcoming five-game homestand, reports ESPN's Marc Stein, in what general manager Bob Myers called a "test" of a full-time return to work.

"I know what the grind's about," Kerr told Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News on Tuesday. "I know my body. And this will be a good couple of weeks being at home, really being engaged at practice. I'll have a good feel over the next couple weeks."

Kerr has been plagued by nagging headaches, on top of his other symptoms - which he referred to as "bothersome" - since going under the knife for the first time. Even while in pain, the thought of missing the entire season has never crossed his mind.

"I don't think that way at all," Kerr said. "I think I'll be back. I don't know exactly when, but I think I will be back coaching again this season."

Interim head coach Luke Walton has done a phenomenal job filling in during his absence, even earning himself NBA Coach of the Month honors for November - although all of Golden State's wins during that time were credited to Kerr.

"I figured the first part of the season would be tough," Kerr said of Walton's performance. "And I was hoping we would just win enough games where he could get his feet wet and not have to worry about anything."

"And lo and behold he wins his first 24 … He's done a great job. He's a quick study and has such a great personality and feel."