Warriors' coach Steve Kerr may miss opening night

The Golden State Warriors are preparing themselves for the possibility of opening night without head coach Steve Kerr on the sidelines.

‎"He still doesn't know," interim coach Luke Walton said Monday about Kerr's return date, according to ESPN's Marc Stein and Ethan Strauss. "He's not going to force a return. There's no timetable still. He's been around more lately, which is great. As long as it's not affecting his recovery, I think it's healthy for the guys to see him."

Kerr first underwent surgery on July 28 to repair a herniated disc, and again on Sept. 4 for a follow-up procedure due to a spinal fluid leak. Pain and discomfort forced the former NBA point guard to step away from his duties following the opening two days of training camp.

As his recovery continues, a source told ESPN the team believes Kerr could be out "for a little while."

The New Orleans Pelicans - coached by former Golden State assistant Alvin Gentry - visit Oracle Arena on Oct. 27 - also the night the Warriors receive their rings following the franchise's first championship in 40 years.

With Kerr out indefinitely, Walton is confident in his ability to lead the Warriors in the season-opening game.

"Obviously this team's preference is to have Steve coach Tuesday night, but the last couple weeks I feel like I'm comfortable now," Walton said. "If you told me two weeks ago that Steve's out no matter what for the first regular-season game, I probably would not have slept much. But I feel fine and confident doing that if it's required next week."