In a stunning revelation that’s sending shockwaves through the NBA world, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has opened up about a pivotal moment in his life – and it involves none other than former Warrior James Wiseman. Kerr, one of the most revered figures in sports, credits the young center with essentially “saving” him from the toxic clutches of social media, a move that has proven to be a game-changer for his mental well-being and focus on coaching.
During a candid interview on 95.7 The Game’s Willard and Dibs show, Kerr shared the eye-opening story: “James Wiseman was getting beaten up on social media and I went to him and I said, ‘Hey let’s get off social media together.’ It was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’m able to avoid reading what a terrible human being and coach I am.”
This unexpected pact between coach and player came at a time when Wiseman was under intense scrutiny from fans. Drafted as the No. 2 overall pick out of Memphis in the 2020 NBA Draft, Wiseman entered the league with sky-high expectations. However, his tenure with the Warriors was marred by injuries, inconsistent performance, and ultimately, a trade to the Detroit Pistons at the 2023 mid-season deadline. While injuries played a major role in his struggles, other factors – including the pressure of being a top pick – turned Wiseman into a lightning rod for criticism online.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob was a big believer in Wiseman, touting him as an “extremely rare talent.” Many in the organization shared that enthusiasm, but Lacob’s influence on draft decisions has often been a point of contention. It’s reminiscent of the situation with Jonathan Kuminga, where Lacob pushed for the pick despite differing opinions within the front office. Fair or not, Lacob’s hands-on approach in the draft room is increasingly seen as a factor in the winding down of the Warriors’ dynasty era.
But back to the bombshell: Kerr’s decision to quit social media alongside Wiseman wasn’t just a supportive gesture – it was a lifeline. In the cutthroat world of NBA fandom, Kerr knows all too well the barrage of negativity that follows every loss. Just days ago, he was hailed as a genius for masterminding an improbable victory over the Houston Rockets. Yet, after defeats, the online vitriol pours in, questioning his lineups, rotations, and every tactical choice.
By stepping away from the digital noise, Kerr has preserved his sanity and sharpened his edge as a coach. No one gets it right every time, but Kerr remains one of the league’s elite minds – arguably the perfect leader to squeeze every last drop of greatness from the Stephen Curry era. Staying off social media allows him to focus on what matters: winning games and building legacies, without the distraction of armchair critics labeling him a “terrible human being and coach.”
Ironically, while this move has kept Kerr thriving at the helm of a storied franchise, Wiseman’s path has taken a tougher turn. Now out of the NBA entirely, the young big man couldn’t escape the fallout from his early struggles. But in a twist of fate, his role in pulling Kerr out of the social media abyss might be his most enduring contribution to the Warriors.
This revelation underscores a broader truth: in the high-stakes world of professional sports, sometimes the biggest saves happen off the court. Quitting social media was in everyone’s best interest – protecting players from undue hate, shielding coaches from distraction, and reminding fans that behind the headlines are real people navigating immense pressure. For Golden State, it’s a reminder that even in disappointment, unexpected silver linings can emerge.