Green says Warriors prepared to play without Kerr

Draymond Green said the Golden State Warriors are prepared to play the rest of the playoffs without head coach Steve Kerr, who is out indefinitely with lingering complications from two prior back surgeries.

Green, speaking to reporters Monday ahead of Tuesday night's Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Utah Jazz, insists the team is rallying around assistant Mike Brown and the rest of the staff.

"I think the way we look at it is plan on him (Kerr) not coming back," Green said. "That's the way we're approaching this thing. ... Mike Brown is our coach, we have the rest of our staff, and that's who we're rolling with."

Kerr, 51, missed Games 3 and 4 of the Warriors' first-round series with the Portland Trail Blazers. Golden State won the series in four games with Brown serving as the bench boss for the final two games.

"We're (going to) hope and pray that Steve gets better and can get back," Green said. "But at the end of the day, his health is more important than anything."

Kerr has been dealing with persistent headaches and neck pain resulting from a failed back surgery. He is still involved with the team behind the scenes, but it is unknown if he will return this postseason.

The Warriors were without Kerr for similar reasons for the first 43 games of the 2015-16 season. Golden State won a league-record 73 games last season, but blew a 3-1 series lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

"Whether (Kerr returns) this year or next year ... we're ready," Green added. "But we're (going to) approach this entire thing as 'Steve isn't coming back.' And that's our approach for this entire playoffs until we hear otherwise."