National Basketball Association

Trail Blazers: Kerr's Endorsement Actually a Jab?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr picked the Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard as his MVP favorite, but did the comments serve two purposes?

There is no doubting that Damian Lillard is set to make an even bigger name for himself in the coming season, but getting an endorsement from the Warriors’ Steve Kerr is a welcome surprise. With the season nearly upon us, several publications are making their predictions for year-end awards. A few of those projections and forecasts have at least paid their respects to Lillard’s talents, but this marks one of the first high-profile MVP predictions directed at the Weber State product.

Steve Kerr's forecast for the MVP is Damian Lillard with a presidential twist pic.twitter.com/xrrp2f6R5L

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 23, 2016

When you take a closer look at Kerr’s quote (above), you start to see the potential for this to serve multiple purposes. He gives Lillard the MVP nod by default. According to Kerr; LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry will split votes, which would pave the way for Lillard to take home the award.

Kerr’s prediction could be used as motivational tool for Curry, as following up his unanimous MVP will be a tough task. It could also be a subtle shot at Durant’s former partner (Russell Westbrook), which would show that Kerr is fully embracing his new star player.

While it is nice to see Lillard’s name come up in these discussions, it is imperative that you keep these things in context. Hopefully we aren’t the only ones that see these comments as a subtle jab, as we have all seen what Lillard is capable of with a little motivation.