Why Kerr sees the Valkyries becoming a WNBA ‘flagship’ franchise in the future originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
As coach of the Warriors, Steve Kerr was a driving force in transforming the franchise into one of the NBA’s elite teams over the past decade.
So he obviously knows what it takes for an organization to achieve the highest standards. And he sees the same thing for another Golden State team — the Valkyries, a WNBA expansion team that will begin play in 2025.
Kerr, asked Thursday about the new hires Natalie Nakase, Valkyries coachpraised the organization being built.
“I think the Valkyries are going to become, before long, a flagship franchise in the WNBA,” Kerr told reporters. “They’re building something really powerful. They’re just missing a few players now.”
So far, only a few people have been hired to work for the team. the WNBA expansion draft won’t take place until Dec. 6 — but Kerr has high hopes for the roommates at the Warriors’ Chase Center. He shared his thoughts on Nakase and Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin.
“I think I met (Nakase) when she was with the Clippers years ago, so I don’t know her well, but I’ve heard really good things. It’s exciting,” Kerr said . “It has a great reputation and (it’s) pretty impressive what the Valkyries are putting together without even having any players yet. The branding is really cool, the colors, the name, the people who come.
“Ohemaa is a star. She’s an amazing person. I’ve gotten to know her a little bit behind the scenes. She’s building her band, obviously, so a lot of awesome people.”
In return, Nakase showed great enthusiasm about working in conjunction with Kerr during his introductory press conference on Thursday.
“I’d be an idiot if I didn’t pick his brain,” Nakase said. “I would love to pick his brain and maybe just go to practice and see how different coaches teach, because it’s not just about what you know. It’s about knowing how to get your players to join and what that communication looks like. So, I’m just really excited.
“And again, with the legacy of wins and championships, this is where I want to be. It’s a place I’ve always strived to be, because I’ve always wanted to be the best .”
This could make Nakase’s goal of winning a WNBA title within five years even more feasible.
