The Warriors are in need of a revamp of their roster following a disappointing 2023-24 NBA season, and that could include their coaching staff.
With lead assistant Kenny Atkinson's future uncertain as he continues to attract interest from head coaches around the league and with other coaching vacancies to fill, the Warriors have held talks with former Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham in recent weeks, The Athletic's Anthony Slater reported, citing league sources.
Ham, who had two years remaining on his contract with the Lakers, was released earlier this month after just two seasons in Los Angeles. The decision came just days after the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Denver Nuggets for the second straight year.
Atkinson has been linked to the Milwaukee Bucks, Lakers and, most notably, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have just been granted permission to interview him and New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego for their vacant head coaching position, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday, citing sources.
But the Warriors are considering expanding their coaching staff regardless of Atkinson's situation, Slater added, citing sources.
This follows the departures of Mike Brown and Jama Mahalela, and the tragic death of Dejan Milojevic.
Slater added that the Warriors and Ham have had discussions but that things “are not expected to happen,” but it's a sign of Golden State's desire to bring in a big-name assistant, and that they're specifically looking for a former head coach or former player for the role.
If Atkinson were to leave, the Warriors “could potentially add two assistant coaches,” Slater wrote, acknowledging that it's a very uncertain time for NBA coaching ranks.
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