OAKLAND – When interim Warriors coach Luke Walton went home sick before practice Tuesday, it didn’t take long determine his replacement.

Steve Kerr, the head coach for whom Walton is subbing, stepped in and ran practice for the first time this season.

It’s the latest indication that Kerr’s recovery from the devastating after-effects of back surgery continues to progress in hopes he can return in a full-time capacity, perhaps within a matter of weeks.

“I’m planning on traveling to Houston and Dallas after Christmas and keep going from there,” Kerr said, referring to games on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. “I don’t have a target date. I just want to keep going, keep getting stronger and keep feeling better.”

Though Kerr conceded he “has no idea” when he’ll return, he said he hopes to be able to come back shortly after returning from Texas.

The coach who last season led the Warriors to an NBA championship has traveled only once so far this season, that being to Los Angeles when the Warriors played the Clippers on Nov. 19 at Staples Center.

Kerr stressed that he will not return to the bench until he is fully able to assume all duties of a head coach.

“I want to make sure that I’m ready to take over for the long haul,” he said.

Stephen Curry welcomes Kerr’s return.

“Having coach kind of test it out, he looks good, looks energized,” Curry said. “I don’t really know how he feels inside, but he‘s got his presence and his voice. It’s been good. A good week of practice.”

Kerr, 50, has been on leave since Sept. 30, when after two training camp sessions he decided it would be best for the team and for himself if he stepped away. He said his back is now pain-free, but that he still has symptoms related to the surgery, which resulted in a spinal fluid leak.

“I’m not 100 percent, health-wise,” Kerr said, “but I’m getting better and building some strength. Today was a good day.”



