HOUSTON _ Though he understands the Memphis Grizzlies have also interviewed other candidates for their head-coaching vacancy, Warriors coach Steve Kerr argued that assistant Jarron Collins "is highly qualified to make his next move in the league."
Collins interviewed recently with the Grizzlies almost a year after interviewing for the Atlanta Hawks position. Although the Hawks hired Lloyd Pierce, the Hawks were impressed with Collins' interview and resume. The Warriors have also been pleased with Collins during the past five years on Kerr's coaching staff.
After first hiring Collins as a player development coach for the 2014-15 season, Kerr then promoted Collins as an assistant coach the following season. Since then, Collins has taken a lead role in working with the team's front-court players as well as helping with the team's scouting reports. DeMarcus Cousins, who remains sidelined with a torn left quadricep muscle in his left leg, credited Collins for his help while rehabbing his left Achilles tendon and his subsequent return.
"He's really, really smart. Great communicator and collaborator," Kerr said of Collins. "He's been a fun guy to work with over the years. He just gets it. It's a group effort and part of the team to do your share and you support everybody else. That's what coaching is about. Jarron is really good."
Those qualities remind the Warriors of what Collins showed in his 10-year NBA career as a dependable defender and screen setter in Utah (2001-09), Phoenix (2009-10), the Clippers and Portland (2010-11).
"He's the same as when we played," Klay Thompson said. "Very unselfish, puts the team first and will do anything to win. I think he'll be a great coach."
Kerr has strongly encouraged his assistants to interview for NBA head-coaching jobs so long as it does not interfere with the team's schedule. Despite Collins' interview, he remained with the team during its playoff run including for Monday's contest against the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals. In past seasons, Luke Walton interviewed with the Los Angeles Lakers (2016) and Collins interviewed with Atlanta (2018) without conflicting with the Warriors' playoff schedule.
"We want all of our coaches to expand their horizons and careers," Kerr said. "If they get an opportunity like that, we're all for it."
