Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr offered strong support for Erik Spoelstra, who is expected to become the next head coach of the Team USA ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Speaking after Warriors practice on Friday, Kerr praised the Miami Heat coach’s leadership and his experience with USA Basketball. “I mean, Spo is incredible. He’s a phenomenal coach,” Kerr said, according to NBC Sports. “And, just watching him the last two summers and getting to know him up close, rather than just from afar, where I’ve admired him for so long, I got a first-hand glimpse at what a great coach he is.”
Spoelstra, who served as lead assistant under Kerr during Team USA’s gold medal run in Paris, is expected to formally succeed him in the coming weeks. The Americans captured their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in 2024, defeating France 98–87 in the final and advancing past Serbia in the semifinals.
Kerr noted that Spoelstra’s time as an assistant helped prepare him for the responsibilities that come with leading the national program. “I think the assistant coaching is almost a prerequisite for coaching USA,” Kerr said. “It’s really a different job, and now he has that experience, just like I did with [Gregg Popovich] in the World Cup in ’19 and the Olympics in ’21. Spo is a perfect choice. He’s gonna be great.”
Spoelstra’s expected promotion highlights USA Basketball’s focus on continuity after a strong Olympic cycle. His familiarity with the program and his success at the NBA level — including two championships and multiple Finals appearances with Miami — position him as a natural successor to Kerr.
Under Spoelstra, Team USA will begin preparations for the 2027 FIBA World Cup before turning its attention to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Americans are expected to maintain their gold standard with a roster that could include both established superstars and emerging talent.
