Kerr feeling better but not ready to return

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says he's feeling "a bit better," but as things stand Monday, he told reporters he won't be ready to return for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.

"As of right now, I would not coach Thursday night," Kerr said. "But it's still up in the air."

Kerr continues to deal with complications from back surgery he underwent almost two years ago. It cost him 43 games of the 2015-16 season, and he's been shelved since Game 3 of the Warriors' first-round series with the Trail Blazers in April.

Kerr suggested that a final decision on his availability may be necessary if he can't make it back for Game 1. Even if he doesn't return to the bench, however, he plans to travel to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4 (and 6 if necessary).

"Once we get to Game 1 it might be a good time to make a decision one way or another," he said. "I'm going to Cleveland."

Kerr has been well enough recently to travel with the team, and is still heavily involved with planning and preparation. He admits the situation isn't ideal, but the Warriors' staff has made it work. Mike Brown has been coaching in the interim.

"I've been in every meeting, every film session, every practice," Kerr said. "I address the team quite a bit. I think my messaging is important, and I think we've found the right balance. It is awkward, it is weird, but we're doing OK."